The scene was set. Everyone around had gathered - though half-blinded with tears of grief. There was only one obstacle. A huge rock covered Lazarus' grave. And Jesus left removing that up to them. (John 11:28-44)
"Remove the stone," He cried. But wait! The sister says, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Can you believe it? She's blocking Jesus doing His wonderful work for a smell!
But isn't that us? We're afraid to remove our masks, shells, hard rocks because we might stink, be distasteful, look ugly and needy. And Jesus says, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” When He calls us to remove our masks and shells, we can expect just that - the glory of God. It may just be to say, "I need help" or "Pray for me" or "I was wrong, please forgive me". But when we obey, the result then and now is new life.
"Remove the stone," He cried. But wait! The sister says, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Can you believe it? She's blocking Jesus doing His wonderful work for a smell!
But isn't that us? We're afraid to remove our masks, shells, hard rocks because we might stink, be distasteful, look ugly and needy. And Jesus says, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” When He calls us to remove our masks and shells, we can expect just that - the glory of God. It may just be to say, "I need help" or "Pray for me" or "I was wrong, please forgive me". But when we obey, the result then and now is new life.
So Jesus can say, "Ouida or ______ or _______ come forth". And out from a dark, impotent, decaying existence, we step into the light of life.
Lord, help us to be obedient and remove the stones of pride, fear of others, and unbelief. We want new life in You,
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