Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a dead situation? If so, the account of Lazarus in John 11:1-44 provides assurance your state of affairs haven’t escaped God’s notice.
The Bible says Lazarus died and had been buried in his grave four days. Upon His arrival at the grave Jesus issued three commands. The first command was “taken ye away the stone” (John 11:39). God speaks to whatever holds you captive. He removes the hindrance that blocks your progress. There are habits, things and relationships that must be removed from your life in order to facilitate your deliverance.
Next Jesus cried, “Lazarus, come forth” (John 11:43). It was a specific call to Lazarus. Notice Jesus didn’t go into the grave to get Lazarus. Rather, Jesus called him out of his dead situation. Although the call seemed impossible given Lazarus’ circumstances; nevertheless, the call demanded a response from Lazarus. To complicate matters, Lazarus wasn’t just dead; he was bound in His grave clothes. Lazarus’ grave clothes illustrate three areas in which Christians experience bondage. His hands were bound. The hand symbolizes power. His power and productivity were restrained. Bondage in his feet prevented him from moving beyond his present situation. He was stuck in his issues. Finally, Lazarus’ face was covered. The face represents a person’s unique identity and characteristics. Because his identity was hidden, his vision was obscured.
The last thing Satan wants you to realize is your potential and who God created you to be. He works feverishly to keep you confined in the grave of hurt, disappointment, discouragement and fear. Satan has no power over your future, so he labors day and night to keep you bound by your past and confined by your present circumstances.
Lazarus’ situation looked hopeless. However, Jesus’ command to “come forth” (John 11:43) presented Lazarus with three choices. First, he could make excuses and remain stuck in a dead situation. Or, he could seek his own means to free himself. His third option was to obey Jesus’ command.
Lazarus opted to obey. He came to Jesus while still bound. Unable to see, Lazarus had to trust the word he had been given to “come forth” despite his condition. God only requires you to do what He has empowered you to do. Lazarus’ response demonstrated the level of faith his deliverance demanded. Faith without action is dead (James 2:20).
Jesus’ final command was to, “loose him, and let him go” (John 11:44). Jesus doesn’t intend for you to stay in the same place. What seems like a dead situation isn’t your place of permanent residence. The call to come out of your dead situation is an invitation to be loosed from what has been holding you captive. It’s an invitation to experience the blessings God has in store for especially for you.
The story doesn’t end with Lazarus’ resurrection. John 12:2 says Lazarus was seated at a table with Jesus. A table represents provision. God has prepared a table of provision for you (Psalm 23:5). He has great things in store for you in 2020 – The Year of Vision, Imagination and The Open Mouth. It requires that you see yourself beyond your now. Ask God to increase your faith so it can take you beyond where your natural eyes can see. The blessings God has in store for you will be unmistakably Jesus. Like Lazarus, God is orchestrating your life to be a reflection of His glory.
Jesus has commanded your deliverance. What is Jesus calling you out of so He can bless you with greater? The stone of your confinement has been removed. What’s holding you back?
Until next time…Be blessed!
Rev. Cynthia Jackson
Rhema Inspirations
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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