The Long Walk Home

Weary beyond belief and deep in thought, the man did not at first realize that he had been approached by someone. A hand fell on his shoulder and Jesus of Nazareth lifted His weary eyes and looked into the face of Simon of Cyrene. Simon took the weight of the cross off the shredded back of God's Son. Jesus continued the long walk home, still carrying the sins of the world.

Yes, life had been burdensome from time to time. The Lord had left His heavenly home over thirty years before. He who was equal with God came to walk among men. He came not to condemn, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:17.) He came to save the souls of men, even these men, who ridicule Him as He walks toward home. As He approaches the place called Golgotha, He wipes the blood from His forehead where the thorns had cut so deeply. He looks at these people whom He loves, as they shout obscenities in their hatred for Him. He came here to save them, but the rough hands that yank Him to the ground show no mercy. Many hands hold the King outstretched upon the cross. Men hold His arms--He chooses not to move them. Dull spikes are driven through His hands--He chooses not to stop them. Spikes are driven through His feet--He allows it. The cross is raised and the weight of His body pulls on the new wounds. His body screams, but His mind recalls the necessity of this moment and He cries out, ". . . Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34.)

He is almost home. It is all over now, except for dying and rising from the grave as He had promised. Then He will ascend to the Father and He will be home again. Having shed His blood, having been the sacrifice for the sins of the world, He will abide in heaven forever, where He will intercede for those who follow Him.

The body of Jesus died on the cross that day. But Jesus had promised to do what no mere man could do.

"Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (John 10:17,18.)

Every child of God seeks heaven as his eternal home. From the time one emerges from the waters of baptism, one faces a long walk home. When the Christian walk seems too long or too hard for you, remember our Savior's long walk home. Remember that long ago day when He trudged through the streets of Jerusalem. He was wounded, mocked, spit upon and totally in control. He choose to walk to His execution for you. Now, how hard is your walk?