Significance

When my kids were young, we often read a children’s book about Simon and his sons who made their way from northern Africa to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Clearly, these were devout Jews who took their faith seriously. In the children’s story, it is assumed that Rufus and Alexander witnessed their father’s simple yet demanding act of service to Jesus.

The book of Mark is the only Gospel that records the names of Simon’s sons, even though both Matthew and Luke mention Simon by name. It is an odd bit of trivia that can yet lead to some interesting speculation. I can imagine the conversation on the journey home, including many questions. In the years following that experience, as word of the good news of the gospel reached Africa, no doubt the boys would relive that moment in time. Who knows what impact that interaction had on their lives?

What is clear, however, is that Simon was remembered as the Gospel writers penned their recollections of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth. His actions on the last day of Jesus’ life, in the hours that led to Christ's crucifixionor the sins of the world, had an impact – they were significant.

How about you? As a follower of Christ, do you ever wish you could have more of an impact on the world around you? Take Simon’s example to heart and learn to recognize that simple acts of obedience can have lasting consequences even if you can’t see the outcome.****

Oh God, use me to advance your Kingdom, however that looks. Help me seize every opportunity you are giving me today to serve you, no matter how small or how difficult that task might seem. Amen.

Throughout This Day: Every time you begin a new task today, invite the Spirit to empower you to do it joyfully and freely as an act of loving worship. You may not know the impact you are having on the people around you but right away, one day, you will.

Go Further: You can have an eternal impact, one conversation at a time by becoming an online mentor. Why not register to do so today?