Into His Marvelous Light

Pondering John 11:38-53.

One minute he was dead. And the next minute, he was standing in marvelous light.

Yes, Lazarus died. In fact, by the time Jesus arrived on the scene, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Wrapped in burial cloths with spices (visualize an Egyptian mummy and you get the picture), he was placed in a cave and a stone was rolled across the entrance.

Jesus approached the cave and said, “Take away the stone.”

But practical Martha, the one who had once prioritized cleaning and cooking above spending time with Jesus, said, “But Lord, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” I like the KJV of her reply. “Lord, by this time he stinketh.”

Gotta love helpful Martha and her honesty!

Regardless, the mourners obeyed. They removed the stone. Jesus obviously spoke with authority and was trusted.

Jesus took a moment and thanked God, the Father. Then he called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Again, obedience to the One with authority over death. They had removed the stone that separated death from life and then they removed the cloths that set Lazarus free.

Every time I read this, I am touched by how Jesus includes others in His miracles. I’m amazed He allows man to participate in His divine works on this earth. He doesn’t need help but He chooses to include us. And the result is faith multiplies. His desire is for the unbeliever to believe and for the believer to grow in faith.

Lazarus didn’t leave the tomb intact. He was still bound by stinky grave clothes. We, those who accepted the gift of eternal life with Jesus, did not become sinless upon our “Yes” to Jesus’ lordship. We are considered sinless by God through the blood spilled on the cross, but we still struggle with sin that ensnares. We often need help with removing our “stinky” bindings.

I recently witnessed God allowing the church to participate in something bigger than itself. A friend  invited women to participate in a retreat. She didn’t know if anyone would attend, other than her faithful inner circle of friends, but she obeyed the nudging that God placed in her spirit. And 55 women accepted the invite. Most women didn’t know anyone else attending and they were diverse in their walks through life. But one thing they had in common—they wanted Jesus to show up.

My friend prepared and did her part but then God took over. Lies women had believed about themselves were revealed, stripped away and destroyed. Grave cloths that had been binding them from living an abundant life were removed. New life was breathed into weary souls. Passion for God’s plans was ignited. And commitment was made to seek God and His ways. I saw God do what only He could do.

Jesus gave birth to the church for His good purposes and He instructed us to love one another. The church is multifaceted and complex but it is also simple. It is the body of Christ, His hands and feet, helping remove bindings so people can walk in freedom.

Many witnessed the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection. Many believed. Yet this beautiful miracle was a key factor that lead to Jesus’ death. Why? If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both out place and our nation.

The chief priests and Pharisees recognized that their status and power were at risk. So they began passionately plotting to kill Jesus.

However, they would never be able to kill the victory fulfilled through Jesus’ death and resurrection. We now live with reassurance of our resurrection from the grave on the day we step into His marvelous light.

Questions to ponder:

Where have I witnessed resurrection of that which was once dead being brought back to life?

When have others helped me (or tried to help me) out of my “stinky” grave clothes? Am I helping others?