“As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.” Luke 23:26 (NIV)

There is an old hymn, “Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone”, that I am reminded of as we approach Resurrection Sunday!  The words to this hymn were written in 1693 by Thomas Shepherd and the song simply says:

 ” Must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free?

No, there’s a cross for everyone, And there’s a cross for me!

The consecrated cross I’ll bear, till death shall set me free,

And then, go home my crown to wear, For there’s a crown for me.

Upon the crystal pavement, down at Jesus’ pierced feet,

Joyful, I’ll cast my golden crown and His dear name repeat!

O’ precious cross! O glorious crown!

O resurrection day!

Ye, angels, from the stars come down and bear my soul away.”

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Dear LORD, I thank you for Jesus!  I thank you for allowing me to take up the cross and to follow Jesus.  God, bless me this day as I go forward to tell others of what you have done for me.  I thank you that even in my brokenness that I was hidden behind the Cross and you were restoring me.  I thank you that in times when my cross seems heavy, you are making a better way for me.  LORD, I know that as I carry my cross, you will get the glory! I praise you and honor you. Thank you for Jesus! In His mighty name, Amen!

Are You Carrying The Cross?