John 11:1-44
Has something you once said, did, or someone you once were try to define you? Like that one saying everyone knows, "once a cheater, always a cheater."As if there was absolutely no way to change your ways. And that one mistake, that once decision you made has now become your identity. Even after giving your life to Jesus, you feel like your past still defines you. Cheater, liar, bitter, lazy, nobody, lonely, convict, failure, good for nothing, etc. John 11 is the story of Jesus resurrecting Lazarus. I know that may be a bit confusing on how the resurrection of Lazarus connects with you being defined with your past self, mistakes, or hurt. But Lazarus was sick for a couple of days; while he was sick, his sister Mary and Matha sent word to Jesus, letting him know. Jesus' response was, "This sickness will not end in death..." (v4). When Jesus was a couple of miles out, Martha met him, saying, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (v21). Later Mary meets Jesus and tells him the same thing "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (v32). He then orders them to move the stone from Lazarus tomb when Martha says, "But, Lord, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days" (v39). Jesus replied, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (v40). Jesus thanks God for hearing his prayer and calls out to Larazus. Lazarus came out with his hand and feet wrapped in linen, and Jesus told them, "take off the grave clothes and let him go" (v43-44). How many times has God told you he has already forgiven you, made you new, restored you, and given you a new identity in Him? But like Martha and Mary, people around you only see you in the grave even though God already said, "this will not end in death." What I find interesting about this is that Jesus had already told people that Lazarus was not going to die. Still, people did not understand and focused on the physical rather than the spiritual. Jesus thanked God before Lazarus came out of the tomb because he understood and knew it was already done. Just like your situation is already said and done, regardless of what it looks like, what people are saying, or how long you been in that situation. When Lazarus came out of the grave, the first thing Jesus said was, "take off the grave clothes and let him go." Because death did not define him anymore, you need to take off what does not define you. Your current situation does not define you, your past does not define you, neither do the labels of others define you. Jesus already spoke life to you and your situation, therefore, take off the grave clothes. Take off the words, the hurt, the bitterness, and past mistakes. God has defined you as forgiven, chosen, loved, worthy, anointed, called, victorious, free, and holy. Let go of the titles, labels, and names others have given you or declared over your life.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for always speaking life to me and my situations. I repent for the times I believed and wore the grave clothes you already took me out of. Silence the lies, telling me otherwise. Guide me and help me as I get up and walk out of the grave, out of the grave clothes I been in so long. I accept YOUR words, YOUR will, and YOUR way. Amen.
Worship Song