Unbind him, and let him go

John 11:43-44 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."

What is the absolutely best news that you have ever been given? Was it something simple, or something complex? Was it news about your own life, the life of a family member, or perhaps someone outside your family? Think about this for a while because we will use it in a comparison test later.

I’m not sure why I started on John 11 as the reference for this week of devotionals. I have learned to stop asking why when I am spiritually pushed. But here I am. Four devotionals later here we are with what is the best news any of us has ever been given.

So much is wrapped up in the story of Lazarus (no pun intended) from John 11:43-44. Jesus calls Lazarus out from the tomb. Lazarus, who had been dead, was now alive for all to see. (There is that sharing thing again.) Our take away from this is two fold. We, just like Lazarus, will be called out from the grave when Jesus returns in His glory. It is promised by Christ Himself!  That is a very big deal! It proves that we who are born into sin, and would be lost forever in death from sin, are in fact saved from eternal death. Jesus saves! Someone should write a song about that because it’s a catchy title. Oh, duh, someone already did.

The second part is illustrated by the words of Jesus “Unbind him, and let him go.”  Remember from a few sentences ago that we who are born into sin, now have been set free from sin. The bonds of sin have been removed. Christ died on the cross so that your sins, & my sins, are forgiven. Now that is truly liberating news! We are no longer shackled to our sins. The death penalty that is in sin has been commuted. We are set free! It’s okay, you can do your happy dance. Who cares if you are like me, and are dance impaired. It is your good news, and it is your happy dance. Dance as if no one can see you, and who cares is they do. You are free!

Now for the test I promised earlier. Compare what you thought was the best news you have heard in your life with the news from John 11:43-44. If your news was not as good as the fantastic, awesome, stupendous, & humungous news of John 11:43-44 it’s okay. You still pass.

PRAYER: God of all mercy and love, we who were dead in sin give thanks. We give You thanks for the life we have in Christ. And we look forward to being called from the grave when Christ returns in all His glory. We hold dear the words of freedom that are in “Unbind him, and let him go.” Our chains are gone we’ve been set free. For this we give You thanks in the name of Jesus, Amen.