trbccoffeebreak

“Out came the man who had died, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:44

Don’t you love it when rereading a familiar Bible passage reveals new insights into God’s amazing grace? Most Christians probably know the account of when Jesus resurrected His friend Lazarus from the grave. This powerful chapter in John’s gospel includes one of our Lord’s bold—and crystal clear—declarations that He is the Christ, the Son of God…the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-27). Amen!

Beyond the proclamation of who Jesus is, this chapter has much to say about who we are. This is what struck me afresh. We are like Lazarus. As fallen humanity, we were all dead in our sins (Romans 6:11; Ephesians 2:1). We were bound up in our own depravity and failures, despite our best efforts. And, although we go to great lengths to cover ourselves in spices (good deeds) and wrappings (the trappings this world), we still wreak of death.

But Jesus has called us out of our grave! And when we accept that call of the Savior, we can walk away from our past, trading a life in darkness for one in His glorious light (1 Peter 2:9). We are made alive in Him, not just now but for eternity (John 5:24; 1 John 5:11-13).

Then, there are two little words in the account that leapt off the page to me. Well, these words aren’t “little” at all, but rather a command from the Creator of the Universe Himself. Jesus says, “Unbind him” (vs. 44). Do you get this? When we are called out of the mess of our self-centered, idol-worshipping proverbial grave, we are not only given new life, we are set free (John 8:36)! In my sanctified imagination, I picture Jesus delivering those two words with His eyes piercing my very soul…but, sweet sister, He’s talking directly to the enemy, Satan.

When we trust the Lord, surrendering everything to Him, Jesus’ victory is ours. We are hidden in Christ (Col 3:3) and no one can snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28-29). Satan has no more power over us. Sure, he does his best to condemn us—but there is no condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1). He’ll pull out every tool from his evil arsenal to trip us up, soil our testimony, and keep us from telling others about Jesus. But he’s already lost his grip on our soul.

We have been unbound.

What about you? You don’t have to stay wrapped in the stench of sin and death. Jesus is calling you out of your grave. Take the step toward life in Christ and be free.

“Father, if there is anyone reading this who has not accepted the gift of eternal life, I pray you call them out of their grave to new life.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life