JESUS, THE LIFE-GIVER

John 11:43-44 43. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. In obedience to Jesus' command, the stone was taken away. Verses 41-42 record Jesus' prayer to His Father. The Bible states, "........And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by, I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." Jesus' prayer at the grave of Lazarus, is indicative of the harmonious relationship that exists between God,  the Father and God, the Son. Jesus wanted the people, who were present, and by extension the entire  human race, to know that He was doing the will of His Father, who had sent Him dwell among humanity.  The Godhead who is,  the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit always work together to bless us. Having addressed His Father, Jesus turned His attention to Lazarus, and in a thunderous voice, said, "Lazarus, come forth." Jesus is the resurrection and the Life, and He alone has the power to restore life to the dead. Lazarus heard the voice of Jesus, the Life-giver and came forth at His command. Verse 44 informs us that, he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Maratha had earlier stated that being dead for four days naturally meant decomposition of the body. However, decay and putrefaction cannot  exist in the presence of the Life-giver. When Lazarus came forth, decay was gone; decomposition was no more; and death had to give way to life. Lazarus' body intact. The only indications of death were his graveclothes. Jesus restored joy and happiness; and cheer and delight to Lazarus' household. On that day, the people saw an amazing demonstration of God's power, which is still at work today. Whatever struggle, challenge or discontentment that you may be experiencing, Jesus can dispel it.  When Lazarus came forth, Jesus' final command was "Loose him, and let him go." The command was to free Lazarus from everything that was associated with death. Jesus wanted Lazarus to freely enjoy  the restored life. Jesus wants us to be freed from situations that bound us to depression and ill-health, so that we can enjoy life to its fullest. We do not have to remain dead in our trespasses and sins. We can choose to seek God's forgiveness and live in His righteousness. May we be willing to surrender to Jesus.  We are reminded  that if Jesus therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.( John 8:36). True  freedom can only be found in Jesus.