God encircles us, Part 3

Unbind him, and set him free

by: Carole L. Haines

On the heels of our last discussion of untying the sackcloth, let’s begin to explore what it actually means to invite God to Untie the Sackcloth covering our hearts, souls and minds.

God brought to my mind the story of the Resurrection of Lazarus. We tend to focus on Mary and Martha, in this trinity of brother and sisters. But Lazarus’ story is pretty amazing. He got sick and was allowed to die; tburied for a period of four days. Only after all this did Jesus come and call him back from the grave. Ever feel like you are in a grave; death of hopes, death of dreams, death of innermost joys. Listen to what Jesus commands of both Lazarus and those who are there witnessing this miracle firsthand. Please take a few minutes to read John 11:1-46. Focus on these verses especially.

 ⁴⁰ Jesus *said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” ⁴¹ So they removed the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. ⁴² But I knew that You always hear Me; nevertheless, because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” ⁴³ And when He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” ⁴⁴ Out came the man who had died, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus *said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” (John 11:40-44 NASB)

Notice the final words of Jesus, “Unbind him, and let him go.” The word unbind means “to loose any person (or thing) tied or fastened.” (Blue Letter Bible Classic)

Jesus wants to unbind us and let us go. He has bought our freedom with His own blood. Only He can show us how this freeing-up is done for our particular bindings. Only He can show those around us how to help us and support us in our journey to be truly free.

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

“If the Son shall set your free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Jesus, please show us what that freedom looks like and how to yield to Your Gracious care and you untie our sackcloth so we can be encircled with Your joy. Amen!!

Next time we will begin to look at the joy and peace found in Christ as He unbinds us and we begin to get a taste of that freedom He has already purchased for us.