Uphill battles. If anyone understood the phrase, Simon did.

Simon of Cyrene was of course the man who helped Jesus carry the cross up the hill toward Calvary. In one moment, a bystander. The next, a cross bearer. He did literally what you and I are called to do figuratively. Little did he know the example he was setting. I wonder if he knew his sin would soon be nailed to the tree he carried.

Uphill battles. If anyone understood the phrase, Jesus did.

Yet Jesus knew that what He faced, He had to face alone. Nobody on earth, above or below, could take His place as He took ours. But the thought of you and me facing our days without hope was enough to kill Him. The weight of the cross and our helplessness were more than He could bear.

Simon, Jesus. One cross and an uphill battle.

--Jimmy Peña

Discussion: The old song says, "I'll cherish the old rugged cross. Where my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown." Are you singing that this week? In our busy lives, it's important for us to shift our gaze. Have you been able to turn your eyes toward Calvary this week in preparation for the resurrection? Let's spend the next few minutes doing just that. Perhaps in your heart you're taking someone you love with you; a family member, a friend, a lifting or running buddy, coworker. Somebody needs Jesus. Let's cherish the old rugged cross together.