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Writer's pictureAlan Fong

Free at Last!

And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. ~John 11:44

 

John 11 is a powerful chapter in Scripture. Within this chapter, the doctrine of the resurrection is declared and demonstrated by Jesus in the life of Lazarus. It is also a chapter that teaches us about the power of a transformed life. This power is the only means by which a victorious Christian life can be lived and fulfilled.


There is the passing of Lazarus.

Lazarus died from an unexpected illness. Death is a consequence of the sin nature. Sin entered the world through one man, and because of sin, death passed upon all men. Death is a separation of the living from the dead. When a person dies in this life as an unbeliever without their sins washed and forgiven in the blood of Christ, that person will spend all of eternity in Hell. Even though Lazarus did believe in Christ, his death still brought separation and sorrow to his sisters and many who knew him.


There is the predicament of Lazarus.

Lazarus was laid in a tomb with a stone rolled over the entrance to cover it from animals going in and to keep the smell of decay from coming out. Lazarus was bound from head to toe in graveclothes. He was so tightly wrapped up that it would take effort from people on the outside to unwrap him. He was presumed dead and unable to do anything any longer. That’s how powerful sin is! Sin leaves us unable to overcome its grasp in our own power. Its stench and control are stronger than we really realize.


There is the power for Lazarus.

Lazarus cannot raise himself. Jesus commanded those around the tomb to help roll the stone away. Jesus called out his name to come forth. Lazarus came forth out of the tomb! However, he came out bound, hand and foot, with the graveclothes and his face was bound with a napkin. Sin binds everyone. Sin’s power can only be broken by the power of the Lord! The power of the Lord’s words is in motion here. Jesus said, “Loose him, and let him go”! That’s the only power that can set all of us free from the power of sin. We need the power of the Word of God to “loose us from the smelly graveclothes” and set us free once and for all.


There are the possibilities for Lazarus.

Jesus said, “Let him go.” He was no longer sin’s captive. He was under a different power: the power of the Lord. He was to go and sin no more. He was to go and tell others what Jesus had done for him. He was to go and live a life of faith and victory. Lazarus got a second chance at life. He was not the same Lazarus from before. After he came out of the tomb, his desire was to please the Lord by leading others to Him and staying as close as he could to God.


Don’t let sin keep you bound in its power. Live under the power of the Word and in the Spirit. Walk in newness of the life that Christ has given to you.


Have a resurrected God Morning!


Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Chronicles 13-17

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