A Walk to Remember - Crucifixion Story
Its Saturday, every week me and my best friend Jimmy volunteer our time at the local church which is doing remodeling of their stage. We been friends for the past few years and both in our mid twenties.
I arrived early, while Jimmy was running little bit late. It looks like its going to be a really hot day as the temperature was raising up. The job assignment for today was to carry large wooden beams from outside parking lot inside the church sanctuary. It was a good 100yards (90metters) walk and each beam was about 70 pounds (32kilo).
I figured the easiest way to carry the beams was to take one at a time and place on my shoulders. I pulled one from the pile and place it on my shoulders, I put both of my hands around the beam and carry it inside. It was more heavier then I expected, but I was determinate. After I carried a few beams, my friend Jimmy showed up, he was given the same assignment.
"Hey Mark" I heard Jimmy say
"You made it, good to see you Jimmy" I replied
"Saw you carrying those beams, you looked like the man in Jesus film carrying the cross beam to the crucifixion" Jimmy said with a smile.
"Oh yea?" I replied, "Why wont you come and help me carry those beams, before someones crucifies you"
Jimmy grab the beam put it on his should and I grabbed another one and follow him to the church building. The heavy beam began pressing into my shoulders, I got a little splinter that went through my clothes and into my shoulders, it's hot, I'm really thirty and sweaty.
As I carry the beam, I thought that one day many years ago a young man just like me was carrying the beam as well, except he was carrying it to the execution place. He had a realization that soon his wrists would be nailed to the beam and he will be hanging from the cross. Maybe he was a run away slave, or a criminal, or maybe he was Christian missionary that was condemned to crucifixion for spreading the news about Jesus. What was going through the mind of a man who was led to crucifixion. As I walked back to the beam pile I trip over a piece wood that laying on the side.
Suddenly I felt two rough hands grab me under my armpits and began hauling me to my feet. My full weight rested in the hands of the soldiers, who began dragging me over to the awaiting beam. Once the beam was reached two soldiers lifted the heavy beam onto my shoulders. I let out a low, deep bellied, groan, as I felt the full weight of the beam on my back,
"Pull his arms out," ordered a soldier, "further out, further out," he yelled. "You, tie them off, nice and tight."
I felt the rough hemp stranded rope press against my arms. First the left and then the right, I gritted my teeth and swallowed hard, knowing that this was the beginning of the end, as far as my life was concerned. The whole process was completed very quickly and soon their I was standing upright with the yoke of my cross balanced on my shoulders.
And then...