Be a Stone Roller And Grave Clothes Unwrapper
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Emmeline Wong, SGM, APCZL)
READ:
John 11:23-27, 38-44 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. In those days, Jews did not embalm the dead body, they just wrapped the body, hands, feet and head in a cloth, sprinkled some spices on it and brought it into the cave. Decomposition of Lazarus’ body would have happened over the four days, giving out a nauseating stench. When Jesus reached the cave, He simply instructed the people who were there to “Take away the stone” (v38) and “Take off the grave clothes” (v44).
The people who followed Jesus to the cave were not expecting Jesus to raise Lazarus from the dead, including Martha who had limited Jesus’ power to raising her brother “at the last day” (v24). Jesus, who is the resurrection and life, demonstrated His divine power by reversing decay, restarting a bloodless decomposing heart, and enabling the entire body to regain its function!
APPLY:
During the recent Small Group Ministry event, the COSC and Missions ministries shared with us the opportunities for outreach and missions in 2025. My immediate reaction was to stay away from signing up to clean old folks’ homes as I am afraid of the possible stench and cockroaches. However, I have completely missed the purpose of outreach. I have forgotten about the life that Jesus can give to the beneficiaries of these outreach opportunities through which we take on the roles of “taking away the stone” and “taking off the grave clothes”.
Through this passage, God reminded me of His divine power. While He creates life and He alone can save sinners, He uses people to roll away stones to let the truth and light in, and unwrap grave clothes to lighten burdens. It is a privilege God has given to me to be a stone roller and grave clothes unwrapper.
DO:
I will commit myself to be part of the outreach activities and will also plan to go on a mission trip with my Small Group. I will remind myself not to undermine the work that Jesus, the Life Giver, can do in their lives. I will expect the unexpected.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, forgive me for my lack of faith and selfish thoughts. Help me to grasp Your heart for the last and the lost as I get involved in these missional activities. Help me not to limit the work of Your hands and give me an open mind to see Your power and glory in action. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.
