Engage

Graveyard Assignment

Imagine the scene around the grave of Lazarus? Moans, confusion, and discussion fill the air. Then the sound of the stone moving, someone begins to roll the stone from the mouth of the tomb and a shocked hush settles like fog. What could Martha be thinking, what is she doing? (John 11)


Imagine the scene around the grave of Lazarus? Moans, confusion, and discussion fill the air. Then the sound of the stone moving, someone begins to roll the stone from the mouth of the tomb and a shocked hush settles like fog. What could Martha be thinking, what is she doing? (John 11)

Into the silence booms the voice of Jesus, “Lazarus, come out.” Sounds, movement, and suddenly at the opening of the tomb stands Lazarus, bound head to foot in white linen grave cloths. What would you be feeling, how would you have reacted?

Then Jesus continues, “Unwrap him and let him go.” Now what would you think? Would you be the first one to step up and begin that process? I think it likely it might have been Martha.

It is interesting to me that Jesus chose to involve the community in the process of freeing Lazarus from bondage. I believe it illustrates the essential role of community in our own growth toward personal freedom.

When we are born again into God’s family, we arrive wrapped in the habits and patterns of our old life, binding us to beliefs, and behaviors that tug us toward sin. When we live in honest and loving community we are available to assist one another in identifying and releasing those binding beliefs and walk together into greater light.

God wants to involve us in the process. We were not designed to walk alone toward maturity. Our community of faith is essential to healthy personal growth.(Hebrews 10:27) Do you and I enjoy a community that knows you well enough to cooperate with God in freeing you to enjoy Him more? If not, will you prayerfully seek such fellowship? And are you willing to love others in this same way today? Will I take on this graveyard assignment?

Gwynne Johnson currently serves on the Board of Entrust, Inc., an international education and training mission where she authored the Entrust curriculum, Developing a Discerning Heart. She recently served as Co-Chair of the training project, Christian Women in Partnership, Russia and as Senior Director of Women's Ministry at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. Gwynne has a M.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She currently lives in Huntsville, Texas with her husband of 58 years, Don. She works part-time in her daughter and granddaughter's bakery "The Best Box Ever," where she gets paid in cookies.