The Stone

John chapter 11 tells the story of Lazarus death and resurrection. Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were friends with Jesus. Lazarus was sick and his sisters sent word to Jesus. When Jesus heard their words He said,"This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." So Jesus waited two more days before He went to see about Lazarus. When he arrived the sisters met Him and told Him Lazarus was dead. Jesus asked to be taken to the place where they had laid him. When He arrived He told the people standing by to roll the stone away. But Martha reminded Jesus he had been in the tomb for four days. Jesus told Martha if she would believe, she would see the glory of God. So they rolled the stone away and Jesus called out to Lazarus to come forth. And he who had died came out.

Let's take this a step further. How about your life? Is there a stone between you and the Lord Jesus? Is there a barrier keeping you from being raised from the deadness of your soul? While it may not be a physical stone it could be a stone of unforgiveness, doubt, anger, bitterness, envy, jealousy, worry, resentment or emotional pain from your past. Jesus can roll them away with the power of His grace and mercy. He is calling you to come out of your grave into the abundant life He freely offers. But you have to choose to come out. Jesus didn't go into the tomb and drag Lazarus out. He rolled away the stone and bid him come forth. As with Lazarus, it does not matter how long you have been in the tomb. Jesus will be glorified when you obey Him and come forth to new life.