"Graveclothes"
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." (John 11:44)
Good morning! Many of you will read this at your
screen at work and after a brief prayer (I hope) return to your normal mundane
duties. Mundane as used here does not mean unimportant, but rather as derived
from the Latin mundus; "worldly, as
distinguished from heavenly, spiritual". As you do so please consider
based upon God’s word the spiritual condition of those that surround you.
Today’s text is from the great account of the
resurrection of Lazarus. This is surely one of our Lord’s greatest miracles and
particularly set in motion the great opposition that lead to his arrest, trial
and crucifixion (see 11:46ff). Prior to the miracle Mary had responded to
Christ’s command to move the stone with the well reasoned observation,
"But, Lord, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four
days" (v.39). Notice Jesus does not dispute this. Think and ponder with me
for a moment. Surely a great miracle had occurred as Lazarus marched out of
that tomb.
But was there an odor? Now surely Jesus could have
had him come out in a tuxedo if He willed, but the text plainly says he was
still wrapped in the linen grave clothes and Jesus commanded those who
witnessed the miracle to "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
I wonder what kind of job this was? Sure, they were
rejoicing, but was there an odor? Was Lazarus, graveclothes and all, completely sanitized during the
miracle? Did he come out smelling of "Old Spice"? Of course we don’t
know but I really think not! I would imagine that the folks had a pretty nasty
little job in getting those clothes removed.
I do know the Bible says we were all "dead in
our transgressions and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). Spiritually to those with a
nose to smell I’m sure there is an odor! I’m thankful for those that through
the years have removed the old, stinky graveclothes
(and still do so). I’m thankful for the privilege of removing graveclothes in others. Sure, there is an odor, but
underneath is a new person being formed in the image of Jesus Christ. Jesus
loves Lazarus and us in spite of the odor. May He help us to love one another
today!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
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