‘Jesus said…“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” – John 11:25 (NIV)
The account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44) is profound because it captures Jesus’ omnipotence over death, hell, and the grave, and it confirms that He is the Son of the Most High God – Jehovah is His name.
In brief, Lazarus was sick, he died and was buried. When Jesus reached the grave, a stone was placed in front of it, which He asked them to remove. Martha, Lazarus’ sister, complained that there would be an odour since he had been buried for four days. Nevertheless, the stone was removed. Jesus then called out, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43 – NIV). Lazarus, who was dead and buried, came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes. Jesus instruction was, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (John 11:44).
Beloved, our God is in the business of transformation. Some of us were dead in sin such as sexual immorality, iniquities, alcohol and drug addictions, while others were involved in lies, deceit, revelry, strife, seditions, debauchery, unforgiveness, and all other manner of impurities as can be read in Galatians 5:19-21. But with our God, once you give your life to Him, He can transform stony hearts into flesh and make you become a new creation in Christ (2nd Corinthians 5:17).
Unlike Lazarus, we are not physically dead, but we were dressed in our grave clothes, buried in our sins, destined for hell. But like Lazarus, we stunk. Our stench came not from being dead but rather from our myriad of sins. Jesus, however, came to our spiritual graveside, and despite persons like Martha shouting out that it was too late, that we had been in that sinful state so long, that we stink, Jesus still brought us out. He removed our grave clothes and adorned us with His clothes of righteousness. John 11:40 (NIV) says, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Beloved, believe in God today and experience His glory. It does not matter what kind of sin you are buried in, Jesus shed His blood for your redemption. Accept Him in your life today, and He will set you free from every addiction and affliction that plague you!
Read: Genesis15:6; Matthew 5:20
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 108:6-13; Galatians 4:21-31; Galatians 5:1-6; Isaiah 44:24-28; Isaiah 45; Isaiah 46
