April 11 Untied in Jesus

John 11:43-44 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 “Untie him,” Jesus told them, “and let him go.”
 
DEATH’S bondage is broken! Do we have any comprehension of the joy Mary, Martha and the other mourners experienced? Jesus acts far beyond their faith. The “Resurrection and the Life” has fulfilled his promise, “Your brother will rise again.” (John 11:23) Perhaps all were filled with so much wonder of God’s glorious work they could only gradually comprehend, “Lazarus is alive!”
    Praise God. Amid human hopelessness, despite deep doubt from all around him, Jesus untied death’s grip and raised his friend Lazarus. Even though they had seen so many miracles, Mary, Martha and the disciples expected nothing significant to happen. Oh, how different is this resurrection than the death the disciples had anticipated as they walked toward Bethany: “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16b) Life transformation breaks forth when the Lord speaks, “Untie him and let him go.”
    Indeed, Jesus’ words are a life-giving command. I pray often that the Lord will come to call my name, that he will untie my doubt, toss away my fears, loosen the bonds of too little faith. “Untie me, Lord, from my self-view, so I will clearly see the light of God’s resurrection promises. Free me from spiritual blindness to know how to respond to my Savior. Teach me what Jesus’ church needs from me.”
    I long, too, to be untied from my physical blindness. The restrictions and limitations I live with each moment of the day can frustrate and slow me. I pray and hope that God will resurrect my sight. But he continues to say, “Trust me.” as I remain tied to weak eyes.
    Or am I? I am untied from blindness if I trust Jesus is with me. “Okay, Lord. I am yours. Give me eyes to focus on your blessings that fill my heart, soul and mind. Untie me from self-pity. Release me into thankfulness for you. Unbind me to truly live a resurrected life, loving you with all my heart.”
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that you are the key to untie the chains that bind me. Focus my heart on your magnificent grace, mercy and love. Empower me to see where you want me to go to untie people from sin’s bondage, to unite them with you. Amen.