John 11:44 Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.



Lazarus had been dead for four days. Mary and Martha, along with many of Lazarus’ friends were grieving. At Jesus command they rolled away the stone that sealed the tomb. When Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth,” he came forth bound hand and foot with graveclothes. His face was also bound with a napkin.

The graveclothes were heavy and binding. Even though they were wrapped with sweet-smelling spices they probably stunk badly after four days in the grave. Lazarus probably couldn’t even see with the face covering. He was alive but bound. Jesus didn’t give Lazarus life just to remain bound.

This is an illustration for us who have been given eternal life. We were bound by sin. Sin was our slave master. When Jesus saves us and gives us eternal life, He doesn’t leave us bound. He frees us that we might serve Him.  

• Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
• Romans 6:22-23 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jesus saves us from spiritual death and hell. He also looses us from sin’s power. It is as if Jesus said to the devil, “Loose him and let him go.” For you to allow sin and addiction to keep you bound would be like Lazarus wanting to stay in his stinking grave clothes. We have been freed to serve Christ! We are His servants. Let’s be faithful.

• Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Make the above verse personal. “Shall I continue in __________? I am dead to that sin or addiction. I must not presume upon the grace of God as an excuse to sin.”

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry