The Unwrapping

Scripture Reference John 11:1-44, John 12:9-11 NKJV

Jesus spoke: “Lazarus come forth!” And he who 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.” John 11:43b-44

Imagine. Standing at the gravesite of Lazarus. Feeling the stillness of the air thick with wonderment as Jesus speaks: “Lazarus, come forth!” The air suddenly is electrified with a surge of the miraculous. There, before your eyes stands Lazarus…a dead man… now alive at the command of Jesus.

Again, Jesus authoritatively directs the by standers to “Remove the graveclothes.” Stunned, there were those who slowly began to step forward as they looked to Jesus for affirmation. The Lord, full of passion, nods with confident assurance at their obedient response. Moving forward in the Lord, all fear diminishes. Faith builds. Placing hands on Lazarus, his body is warm to the touch, exuding life. Whispers fill the air, “He, this Jesus, must be the Messiah!” Gasps of wonderment are heard. Tears of rejoicing roll down one’s face as someone shouts, “He is alive!” Others run to tell of what they just saw. There are some overwhelmed by glory; astonished, they fall to their knees. Many fixed on the moment. Yet, within your fingertips is the edge of the grave cloth, for you have chosen to partner with the Lord in setting Lazarus free from the bondage of death. Heart’s pounding with great expectation as the strips of linen fall away. The fragrance of life fills the air. Faith fills the atmosphere, as the glory of the Lord reveals newness of life. Gazing at Lazarus, your eyes meet. Flabbergasted, you are speechless.

At that moment you realize… your life will never be the same!

The invitation to partner with Jesus still stands today. Are you willing to step forward in faith and follow the lead of the Lord?

Have you surrounded yourself with like-minded believers willing to unwrap the graveclothes, together, co-laboring with the Lord? Or, are you surrounded by those who mummify your faith?

With Christ, every prayer prayed is a “Loose Lazarus” opportunity in the Lord.

Are you ready to step out in faith? To partner with God. Unwrapping those He sets free from bondage. Some won’t believe, and attempt to suppress the miraculous. Even as the account of Lazarus continues in John 12: 9-11.

The religious leaders of the day plotted to put Lazarus to death, because on account of him many Jews went away and believed in Jesus.The religious leaders longed to rid their sect of all evidence of the Miracle Maker.

Has the religion of today had the same effect on you? Hampering your faith?

Wrapping it in unbelief? Lulling you to sleep through boredom?

Miracles are very much alive today…for Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever! He is still calling out to us. He is looking for someone to partner with Him in the unwrapping of the miraculous.

Prayer

Father, I repent for my unbelief, complacency, insecurities, and fear that have kept me from partnering with You. Surrendering them to You now, I ask You to make an exchange in me. Fill the void with great faith, bold pursuit, confidence in You, perfect love and complete reliance on Christ Jesus.

Please, give me ears to hear when You are calling me to unwrap those bound. May I prove faithful to follow Your lead. Surround me with like-minded people that we may work together for the glory of God. Purify me from the remnant of religion in my life. Revive my soul. Allow my spirit to soar with You, Holy Spirit, in great faith…showing me things I have not known before.

I acknowledge You, Jesus Christ, as the one true Miracle Maker. Today, I choose to partner with You, Lord, in the unwrapping of the miraculous.

To God be the glory! Forever and ever.

Amen