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John 11:44

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.”

God’s great power is not meant to take away man’s responsibility. This is a practical lesson found in the great miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. God seldom does for us what we can do for ourselves.

Standing at the grave of Lazarus, Jesus instructed the bystanders to “Take away the stone” that covered the tomb. And in today’s passage, Jesus instructs those watching the miracle to “Unbind him, and let him go.” Likening God’s power and man’s responsibility to farming, Jerry Bridges says, “The farmer cannot do what God must do, and God will not do what the farmer should do.”

Look around you. Only Jesus can raise a person to spiritual life, but maybe he is waiting on you to move a stone that keeps them in the “grave.” Look around you. Maybe a person God has raised to life needs help getting rid of the “grave clothes.” Following Jesus is not a spectator sport. Look around you. And get involved in the work of the Lord in the lives of others.

Lord, open our eyes to see where you want our assistance in gravestones and grave clothes. Then when you show us the assignment, give us the courage and energy to carry out the task. In your name. Amen.

Today’s Journey Message:

Accepting My Influence