John 11:40-44: “Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.’ When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out.’ The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’”
Jesus has called the people to do the unthinkable – take away the stone covering Lazarus’ grave. Martha is deeply concerned as she knows that the body has already begun to rot and there will surely be a smell. Jesus reminds her of his promise to display the glory of God. Jesus prays to his Father then cries out: “Lazarus come out.” Can you imagine standing there that day? These people have been deep in grief for four days now. Jesus is now offering hope that seems unbelievable. He is calling the dead man out of the tomb.
And Lazarus comes out of the tomb! He is bound with linen strips and his face is wrapped in cloths, just like when they laid him in the tomb. He was dead and now he is alive. With the power of his voice, Jesus called Lazarus back to life. He waited to come to Bethany; Lazarus died; and now the people have seen the greatest miracle – the dead brought back to life!
Are there dead things in your life that the Lord wants to resurrect? These are the very things that feel completely impossible in your strength. Maybe it is your marriage, a wayward child, an illness, an addiction, a patterned way of behaving. We all have places that need the miraculous touch of Jesus.
Will you cry out today asking God to do what you cannot do? Lord, show us your glory in the places of our deepest need. We look to you for healing, restoration and resurrection.