Pause to Ponder God's Word
"Remove the Stone"

Jesus is standing in front of Lazarus tomb (John chapter 11). He tells the people to remove the stone from in front of the gave. It is interesting that Jesus instructed the people to remove the stone and after Lazarus had come forth to remove the grave clothes. Why did He do so? Was He challenging their faith? They hesitated saying, "by now he stinks, Jesus." Nevertheless they did as they were instructed. Why remove the grave clothes? This request is more obvious. Lazarus couldn't do it for himself.

There are many obstacles that hinder people from coming out of their graves. They cannot even hear the voice of God calling to them because these "stones" are so thick that it muffles His voice. Though it is impossible for the church, for you and I, to remove all these stones, I believe that Jesus is instructing us, His people, "remove the stone." Stones of ignorance; stones of apathy; stones of physical need; stones of misunderstanding; are just a few that we can address and seek to help remove.

Don't forget the grave clothes. Once the person is brought out of the grave of their sin, brought to life in Christ Jesus, it is our responsibility to disciple them. It is our responsibility to help them remove the excess baggage that they carried with them from their life in sin. This takes time, effort, patience, persistence, diligence and an extra amount of God's love, which He provides.

Let's not neglect our responsibilities.... People's eternal lives depend on us!

Keep close to Jesus.
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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