On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. John 11:17
It’s been a long time since I posted a devotion. There are too many reasons and excuses. Honestly I was going to begin to post on January 1, but obviously that didn’t happen. Then I was going to do yesterday, January 3, because after all it was the third day that Jesus rose from the grave. Great day to resurrect the blog. But again it didn’t happen.
As I laid in bed last night praying, I began to say, “it’s the end of the day and again I didn’t begin to post devotions on the website, I guess. . .” When Holy Spirit placed in my thoughts John 11 and the song that says, “isn’t it great when He’s four days late and still right on time!” I started praising the Lord and thanking Him for His loving-kindness and grace, forgiveness and patience with me. I couldn’t wait to post this first devotion of 2024 on January 4!
I love the story of Lazarus, how his sister Martha replied to Jesus, “But Lord he stinketh” (KJV) when He told them to remove the stone from the tomb, John 11:39. And how Jesus said “Lazarus, come forth” calling him by name otherwise all the dead would have come alive. That Jesus wept for His friend and His heart was moved with compassion because He actually was able to meet the need of giving life to someone who was dead.
But verse 44 always speaks to me, “The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.” Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” How many times have I allowed the things of this world bind me with grave clothe and go into a dark place. I wish the answer wasn’t way too many times. But each time I knew people were praying for me when I couldn’t even pray for myself and Jesus was always there with a heart of compassion waiting for the perfect time to bring me out and to have others there to help me take off the things that were binding and hindering His work in my life. I learned that although we might feel independent, we need to realize we were not created to live this life alone. First we need Jesus and His Holy Spirit, but then we need others that He places in our lives to encourage and help us stay focused on Him.
It’s never too late to come out of the dark and have our bindings and hindrances removed and truly live again so we can carry out His plans for us and bring Him glory and honor. So are you ready to step out of the dark and be set free from the hindrances the enemy is using to keep you from living the abundant life He died to give you and share Him with others? Don’t let the enemy tell you it’s too late, Jesus always has the way out for wherever you find yourself stuck. And He has people who want to help you carry out your calling,
Four Days Late; Aaron Wilburn, Roberta Wilburn
2000 Spring Hill Music Group All rights reserved Unauthorized reproduction is a violation of applicable laws Manufactured by EMI Christian Music G
Leave a Reply