Not even death can withstand the great power of our God. Praise God!
Sin steeped us into great darkness and a grave where only darkness and the devil ruled. It is a grave filled with all manner of evil and depravity, where we did not have the ability, strength, or boldness to come out on our own. Like Lazarus, humans have been in this grave a long time. It has been so long that we have become smelly. Like Lazarus, even his family members cautioned Jesus about opening up the grave.
But praise Jesus for still going ahead to open up the grave and raising Lazarus. Jesus did not run from the mess. He did not run away from the grave. He wasn’t repulsed by the smell, but He knew that, this, too would give glory to God.
I don’t know what sin and disobedience has a hold on you right now. It might feel so deep that you cannot see a way out. You may be fearful that no one wants to associate with you because of how your life appears. Can I offer a word of truth? No matter where you are in life, what sin you are steeped in, what grave you have dug for yourself, Jesus came for you. He will not run away from you. He loves damaged and dead things because He is the only one who can give life.
Scripture tells us that Jesus came so that He might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). With Jesus, you are safe. One of His specialities is raising dead people to life. He conquered the grave. He is here to pull us from any grave that sin has put us in.
We no longer have to wallow in the grave of sin and death.
A life with Christ is a life filled with the good gifts and perfect will of God. It is a life of peace and joy, despite what is happening around you. It is a life that only Jesus can give. So let’s speak truth against the lies that you are far too gone or too damaged for Him. Jesus came for all sinners to be forgiven and made new.
Let me repeat this one more time in case you missed it earlier. Jesus is not repulsed by you. He hates sin but loves you. He is here to free you from the chains of sin and give you hope. Today can be the day of salvation for you! You don’t have to clean yourself up before coming to Christ. Come as you are. Believe that He is reaching out to you.
Receive His mercy, and enjoy the life that only He can give.
Imagine yourself like Lazarus, where Jesus is calling you out of the grave. He is giving you a new life and setting you free to enjoy His life. You are free! Go!
The LORD bless you and protect you; The LORD make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:25-26
