Freedom - My Thoughts on John 11, the Story of Lazarus (Part 3)

Read John 11:38-44

These verses take us to death's door. I love this story and the way you can hear and feel His compassion coming through the words. Isn't it wonderful to know how He is moved by our hurts? Such love!

Jesus simply said "Take away the stone." Sounds simple enough, but Martha being the practical-thinking woman she was, explained how if they did that then there would be a bad odor because he'd been there for four days. Don't you know that death stinks? Our sin-nature stinks! It's putrid. However, there is the "but God" moment of "when you believe". Jesus says in verse 40, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"

Then Jesus looked up (from where does your help come from??) and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard me. I knew that You always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that You sent me."

He always hears, but do we always believe? He said those things for the benefit of those hearing Him SO THAT THEY WOULD BELIEVE THE FATHER SENT HIM.

When Jesus spoke his name - "Lazarus, come out!" - the funniest thing happened. He obeyed. Lazarus came out, but he was still dressed in his grave clothes. His hands and feet were wrapped and there was a cloth around his face. We can be wrapped in sin and bound to the things of this world. It wasn't until Jesus said "take off the grave clothes and let him go" that he could walk away from that which had bound him in his death.

Step One - obey. Walk out of the pit when Jesus calls your name.

Step Two - get rid of the grave clothes. It may require others helping you and praying with you.

Step Three - let go. Don't turn back. Walk away from the grave and leave the things that bound you to it behind.

The things of your past do not have to bind you in your present or in your future. There is freedom. He is the resurrection and the life! Do you believe this?