Scripture:
John 11:38-44 NKJV
[38] Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. [39] Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time, there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” [40] Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” [41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. [42] And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” [43] Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” [44] And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”
Observation:
I love the way the bible just continues to put roots into our lives. It’s absolutely amazing. How it never stops growing, shaping, molding, and calling us from one place in life to the next. I’m a pretty firm believer that you will never reach the place that HE intends for you to be until HE calls you into glory. As I was reading this passage of scripture this morning, I couldn’t help but be taken back to the day when I heard my name called. So let’s take a closer look at what’s going on here. Most of us have either been made aware of this scripture or have come across it in our own personal time with the LORD. Lazarus was a good friend of the LORD’S, so you can imagine how HE felt knowing that he was laid in a tomb and seen as dead. However, as we run back through our minds in the scripture. HE didn’t seem to be in any hurry to get to him. Let’s just take a quick venture back into our thoughts through the scripture. At the beginning of this chapter, we see Jesus being made aware of Lazarus’s condition. His sister sent word to the LORD, saying, ” he whom You love is sick.” But HIS response seems somewhat dismissive in a way.” This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of GOD, that the Son of GOD may be glorified through it.” Waiting for the most opportune time the LORD heads into Judea instead of rushing to the aid of the one HE loves. Let’s remember the purpose of the illness that Lazarus faced. It was brought to bring glory to the LORD. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying GOD made Lazarus sick so that Jesus could heal him and be glorified. I’m a firm believer that illness doesn’t come from GOD. I believe it’s something that the enemy has brought through his trickery in the garden. But that’s a whole other SOAP. Jesus knew that this situation would reveal HIS purpose here on earth. As HE waited for the perfect time to go see HIS friend. In verse 14 and I encourage you to go back and read this whole story. Jesus makes a statement that seems to contradict what HE had said earlier in this story. However, just like HE had said. Something incredible was about to take place. As HE shows up on the scene, HE finds the group in distress and HIMSELF being blamed for not being there. A stone had already been rolled over the entrance of the tomb, and Lazarus had already been prepared for the other side of life. Wrapped in grave clothes. But this was not the end. Jesus had made that statement when HE first found out about Lazarus falling ill even though it appeared as though the enemy had won this battle the war was not over and victory belongs in the hands of those who believe. This is where we pick up in the scripture. As Jesus continues to groan in HIS spirit. You have to wonder if it’s due to the fact that Lazarus is in the grave or if it’s because of the unbelief that is all around HIM in the moment. HIS statement at the beginning of all this was made because HE knew the truth about what was going to happen. However, looking at the situation, what seemed to have happened was different. But remember, it’s not over yet. Commanding that the stone be rolled away. HE is warned about the odor that will likely be present as Lazarus had been there for 4 days. HE pays little attention to that. As the stone is rolled from the tomb. Some very simple words were spoken.” Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of GOD?” The stone was moved, and the time had come. The most opportune moment had been prepared. Lifting HIS eyes to heaven, Jesus calls out to the Father. “I thank you that you heard me. But wait, what is HE talking about… well, let’s go all the way back to the beginning of this story when Jesus said,” This sickness will not end in death, but for the glory of GOD” are we starting to get the full picture now. Jesus continues what HE is saying… “and I know that you always hear me, but because of the people standing by, I said this, that they may believe that You sent me. Now I could write a whole SOAP of what happens next, because I believe that there are some specifics that we could focus in on that would blow ore minds. But what I have time for is the words, “Lazarus come forth,” very specific and pointed directly at one person. Lazarus is being called out of the tomb by his name. The voice of the LORD reached past death and brought Lazarus to his feet. Let’s just look at that as he stood to his once lifeless legs and came out of what seemed to be his deathbed. Those standing around were given orders… loose him. I believe Lazarus was called out by name because if Jesus Christ would have just said Come forth every dead body. Every dead body on earth would have walked out of the grave, and it was not time for that. However, that day is coming. But until then, HE will continue to call us out by name
Application:
I remember the day like it was yesterday. Sitting in the little church in Asher. Listening to the preacher talk about my life as though he had been informed by someone close to me. Tears flowed down my cheeks while I was confronted with who I was. The Holy Spirit, so thick I could feel his arms around me. My life was leading to death. It crept closer and closer as every day went by, and I had no idea how to stop it. But that day in that church… I heard my name. It was clear and drove right to the heart of me. I know that what I was doing was not working, and something had to change. The battle I was fighting was a losing one. Addiction and degradation continued to beat me every time. My willpower was not enough. I had to surrender, and that day… hearing my name called…. it was time, time to leave the grave clothes behind and walk out of the tomb. Now I’m sure there are those who at one point thought I was a lost cause. They probably thought I was better off dead. Placing me in the grave of their mind. But GOD had other plans. Just like the plans HE has for you. Maybe you are reading this, and it’s taking you back to the day you heard your name, or maybe you haven’t heard it yet. Maybe as you read this, you can’t hear that still small voice speaking your name. Telling you today is the day of salvation. Can I make a suggestion…. listen. The LORD has a plan for your life that will blow your mind. HE wants those grave clothes off of you. The grave clothes of sin and addiction. They are what has you bound and HIS desire for you is life not death, freedom not bondage. If that’s you, and you can hear HIM calling your name. Come out. It doesn’t have to end this way, and if you are taking back to the day when you heard your name, remember that as you engage with others today. Let those whom the LORD puts in your path today hear of the amazing things you have done. One thing I know in all this is that no matter where you are in all this… It’s not over yet. The LORD’s plan for you is glory. That will happen on the day of HIS return. Will you listen to him calling your name beforehand?
Prayer:
Father, you are so absolutely wonderful. Your plan is amazing. I thank you for thinking enough of me to weep over our condition. The spiritual death we had to face to see the resurrected life you had in store for us. What an amazing moment it was to hear our names being called by you. Father, all we can say is thank you. If we could ask anything of you in this time of prayer, it would be that if there is someone reading this that has heard your voice this morning in what has been said that you would draw them to you. Today, it would be the day their grave clothes were removed and that they were set free from the bindings around their hands and feet so that they could do the work you have set aside for them personally. Let your Holy Spirit do what only you can do. Build the church. We know that you have called us to kick down the gates of death and hell. Give us the right words inside of this day to help those who don’t know you to hear that you are calling them out by name. You are an amazing GOD whose desire is for all to come forth out of the grave. Lead us to those who need to hear you. Then hide us behind the cross. that called us out so that your glory can be seen, and others can have that same encounter you had with us. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, amen.