Lazarus' Deliverer

Because He himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18

Easter is the most special day in the history that gave hope to the mankind!

Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary was dead four days before Jesus reached Bethany. Jesus loved that family and they loved him as well. He was not there when Lazarus was sick. Lazarus was buried when Jesus reached Bethany. His sisters were weeping. Jesus also wept. They told Jesus, “Lord, if you have been here, Lazarus would not have died.” They moved on to Lazarus’ tomb. There was a stone across the entrance. Surely there was bad odor. Yet, Jesus said, “Take away the stone. If you believed, you would see the glory of God.” He prayed and there came Lazarus alive with his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

God’s love is the same toward everyone! He doesn’t show favoritism. He loves you as much as He loved Lazarus and his sisters. He knows when you are sick. He longs to be with you in all your struggles.  He himself was buried; but He rose again. The grave could not hold Him. Death was defeated. The ultimate victory was made possible by the perfect lamb, Jesus who sacrificed Himself on the cross for us!

Friends, today you are in any of the three situations listed below.

1.       Maybe you are still living in your past glory. You are proud to say that you had spent countless hours in prayer and meditation several years ago. But the truth is, your past glory cannot do any good to you! You should be revived each moment in your life. Bible says, “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13. You are hesitant to go back to where you were, as things distract you and lead you away from Christ. His arm that was stretched out on the cross is still open for you. It is time to make U-turn and come back to Him as soon as you can. Don’t take chances.

2.       Or maybe you are living a life full of guilt for the sins you have committed. You want to be out of the habits which lead you to sin, but you are not able to ask God to forgive you of your sins. Because you know you have gone to him countless times for forgiveness on the very same thing. You may feel that your prayers will not be answered. Bible clearly says, “Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Lamentations 3:22. He can wash you from any sin and can set you free. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36. You no longer need to live in guilt.

3.       Or maybe you are living a life that is pleasing to God. The best time to pray for anything is, before it happens. You may not know what is awaiting you (Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8), or what your family or friends are going through right now. In the outside people may pretend to live a holy life, but deep inside they are hurt because of the unwanted things that have done. “You are meant to be the salt of the earth and light of the world.” Matthew 5:13, 14. Breathe Jesus into someone’s life. This is the time for you to stop being content that you are safe and have a free coupon to enter into Heaven, but to stand in the gap for them and to pray for them that perish.

To summarize, what you have done thus far, doesn’t matter. God still loves you. And He wants to restore everything that you have lost so far.  He can bring back life into your holiness, deadest parts in your marriage, finances, work place, parenthood, etc…! Things that are buried deep inside can be brought to life only by the risen Lord! He knows how it feels to be buried. Pray to God that He would help open up the door that you have shut to Him long back, and guide you to take off the ugly clothes you have chosen for yourself and bring you back to the life He meant for you. He only can give you victory over the things which are defeating you over and over again!

May God bless you!