Torah Portion MISHPATIM – Shemot (Exodus) 21:1- 24:18 Haftarah: Jeremiah 34:8- 22, 33:25-26
“Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was coming in from the countryside. The soldiers force this passerby to carry Yeshua’s cross-beam.” Mark 15:21 TLV
Shabbat Shalom, dearly beloved,
When we talk about carrying His cross, what does it mean? Let us put ourselves in the shoes of Simon from Cyrene. He was passing by, minding his own business, having his own agenda for the day, maybe some business meetings, lunch with a friend, who knows? All of a sudden, his agenda vanished into thin air with one snappy command from a low-ranking Roman soldier. Surely he could be more considerate; Simon is a busy person! He may lose some business opportunities by this inopportune detour! But no! Romans were ruling, and Jews needed to obey. Yes, sir! He answered, fuming inside of himself for this hard, manual, bothersome job that just landed on him. What choice did he have?
Maybe he had heard about Yeshua like many had, but he certainly was not one of his followers. His sons, Alexander and Rufus, were most probably followers of Yeshua, as those names are mentioned in other places. However, the narrative does not mention Simon until the moment he is forcefully recruited by the Roman soldiers. Neither is he mentioned after the event.
Now he is forced to walk with the Master carrying his execution stake. Did he exchange glances with Him? Did the piercing eyes of Yeshua pierce his soul? Was he thankful for the privilege of helping the King of the Jews in his hardest moments on earth? Could it be that he had been granted an opportunity to receive forgiveness and salvation by walking so closely to The Lamb? Did he take it, or could he not wait for the ordeal to be over?
“My aim is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the sharing of His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death—” Philippians 3:10 TLV
And what about you and me? When His crossbeam is imposed on us, do we fume? Do you get offended when those above you, whether your boss, parents (of minors), pastors, leaders, or government authorities, command you to change your plans to accommodate theirs? What is our attitude when we are importuned?
“The heart of man plans his course, but Adonai directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 TLV
And what is our response when Yeshua asks us to do something for Him that is challenging in our eyes? Worse than that, it really disrupts all of “our plans”. Would we humbly submit to the Master, take a deep breath, and deep dive into obedience?
“Samuel said, ‘Does Adonai delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of Adonai? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay heed than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22 TLV
When we are forced to do something we did not plan to do, do we see Him walking next to us, sweating drops of blood, inviting us to an intimate relationship? Simon, did you take it?
“Then Yeshua was saying to everyone, ‘If anyone wants to follow Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross every day, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23 TLV
Did I take it? Did you take it? Do we do this daily? Do we sing while carrying His burden? Do we dance? Do we commune with Him and His unfailing love? Do we realize that walking with Him, following Him with the crossbeam we are commanded to carry for Him is a privilege? Do we know that His grace is sufficient for us to finish our crossbeam assignment He has given us to carry in our earthly life?
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Messiah may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 TLV
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