Grave Clothes
The resurrection life will be marked by both internal and external changes that show a life dedicated to Jesus.
"They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests...Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the Lord..."
Exodus 28: 4, 29, 36
As the priests prepared to be the ones who came into the presence of God and were the stewards of the temple, God gave instructions for how they should be clothed. Aaron wore very intricately designed clothes including a seal on his chest that read holy to the Lord.
How does what I wear tell others about who I am and my role in the world? Do you ever think about wearing special clothes as you come before the Lord? There is an obvious trap of hypocrisy available to looking holy and not acting holy. Our actions and how we make others feel say a lot more than our clothes do. Jesus looks on the inside and starts with our hearts above all else.
With that being said, there was a reason God had Aaron dress in sacred robes. Have you ever considered the idea that how you clothe yourself says something about how reverent you are before the Lord?
"My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth...we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done...Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands."
Psalms 78: 1-4, 7-8
David encourages us to consider how our legacy reflects our dedication to the Lord. You do not have to be an evangelist nor an expert to be able to share how you have seen God move. Is sharing your story and the wonders of God an important part of your weekly activities? How can you help guide the next generation?
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another...As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart"
Proverbs 27: 17, 19, 23
We live in a world that loves to look good without being good. We hear politicians lay out plans with their words and corporations say a lot without saying anything. Wisdom says the life you live reflects what you believe. The Bible says our lives are meant to be connected and compassionate. We are meant to shape each other and shape the world around us. Looking back at this last week, what does your life say about what you believe?
“You are always righteous, Lord...if they learn well the ways of my people and swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the Lord lives’—even as they once taught my people to swear by Baal—then they will be established among my people.”
Jeremiah 12:1-3, 16
The truth is God is righteous. When we learn to live in alignment with righteousness our lives will flourish. Regardless of what we have done, we are always one decision away from living as God's people. God is the God of redemption and His word can never be broken. He says if they learn my ways and swear by my name that He is the living God then they will be my people. What did you learn from the Lord this week about His righteousness?
“he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, Jesus said to her...Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world...Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me...Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 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 11:14, 23-27, 39-44
Jesus says and then does. His word is faithful. His words are true. He says I am the resurrection and the life before He ever hung on the cross or rolled away the stone. He said all this so that all people would see and believe that He is the Son of God. He calls Lazarus by name, He gives him new life, and tells him to take off his grave clothes. Lazarus or in Hebrew "Lo-Azar" means helpless. There was nothing anyone could do to help Lazarus come back from the dead. He was helpless. But Jesus, who is rich in mercy and is the resurrection is not just any other man. He is the only one who can give new life to Lazarus and to us.
Why does Jesus say take off your grave clothes? Taking off the grave clothes was so much more than the restrictions that would have existed from being wrapped for burial. Like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, Lazarus is emerging an entirely different person. His outward appearance and actions should match the inward transformation.
Jesus words to Lazarus are true for us. Come out of the grave He says. Take off your grave clothes. What do you need to let go of from the past so that you can walk into the preferred future that Jesus has prepared in advance for you? No one wants to experience the darkness of being in the grave for four days, but imagine the testimony that Lazarus shared with each person he met. Imagine the joy of each moment, each meal, each new day that was a day that he never thought he would have. If you need resurrection in any area in your life, turn to Jesus. If you feel a longing for more in your life, turn to Jesus. Today is a day to shed the grave clothes and grab hold of the giver of new life.