Sermons

"ROLL AWAY THE STONE"

The story of the death and the raising to life of Lazarus of Bethany ought to be very well known. It is a story where Jesus not only demonstrates much power and authority, but also emotions. It is known that Lazarus, his sisters, Mary and Martha, were very close relatives of Jesus. Indeed one of Jesus' visits to Bethany caused a little rift between the two sisters. An occasion that Jesus used to redirect the human from the temporal and mortal to that of the eternal and immortal.

When we look at this most powerful event, we find that it looks us very much in the face, not so much about our mortality as that becomes a challenge to us throughout the Life and ministry of Jesus, more so , the fact that this event, shows us there are obstacles in our lives, that hinder us from experiencing the fulfilness of life that Jesus brings to each of us. Obstacles that prevent us from making progress in life. Obstacles that are breeding ground for decay and compromise. Obstacles that are not as difficult to remove as they appear. Sometimes, like stones, they separate us from where we ought to be.

Yes, stones that appear threatening, but obedient to the voice of Jesus, can be removed. Stones that we sometime, put in place and of which we become afraid, because of what developes behind them. Stench! Odours that separate us from the community and family. Elements that separate and destroy relationships.

Indeed a stone is a symbol of permanence; wherever it is placed, or erected it keeps in place the elements to which it is assigned and those it helps to create.

Yes Lazarus is dead. He is placed in a tomb, a stone is rolled over the entrance to seal and conceal that with which the community desires not to be associated. Behind the stone the elements that exist, cooperate with that which is deposited and create new forms. Forms of rejection and decay, Forms of destruction and foul. Forms of undesirables and alienation.

Jesus comes on the scene and inquires as to where Lazarus is buried. He is told instantaneously, "But Lord he stinks". Lord behind that stone there is odour, foul scent. Lord behind that stone is not where we want to be or want you to go. Lord behind the stone is darkness and decay. Lord behind the stone is a state of decline.

But Jesus asks. Show me where you have laid him, They take Jesus to the grave. Jesus says, 'roll away the stone'.

The removal of the stone allows what is behind to be reunited with God's purpose and plan. The removal the Stone enables light to penetrate.

Light brings Confidence. Light brings life. Light brings joy. Light reunites and recreates. Light builds community, family and country.

But light is only applied when the stone is removed. When the stone is removed man is in contact with Jesus, the giver of light and life. When the stone is removed man lives again. When the stone is removed, relationships come alive again. When the stone is removed, man is able to respond to the voice and Call of God.

The removal of the stone is vital to man's salvation and future. It is imperative that it is rolled away, as it is urgent! The removal of the stone presents to a living world, darkness: the absence of form, composition and quality.

Indeed challenges come into play. The challenge to live again. The challenge to love, interact and protect. The challenge to share and forgive. The challenge to encourage and support. The challenge to be for God in a special way. A challenge to quicken and electrify~.

Yes my friends, today you and I are challenged to look at ourselves and see where we are in relation to God and each other. If are relationships are out of whack, then we need to remove the stone that alienates us from the love of God and the communion and fellowship of Body of Christ.

Jesus is calling each of us today. He is calling us to roll the stone away!

This indeed is a crisis. We cannot wait for tomorrow, because God needs us now to be alive in Him and alive for him in the world. roll away the stone. The stone of wickedness and malice. Roll away the stone. The stone of slander and deceit. Roll away the stone. The stone of assumption and accusation. Roll away the stone. The stone of suspicion and witchcraft. Roll away the stone. The stone of greed and covetousness. Roll away the stone. The stone of hatred and lust. Roll away the stone. The stone of falsehood and pretense. Roll away the stone and come forth with new life, vigour and vision. Come forth with confidence and faith. Come forth into the light of the world. Come forth and meet Jesus. He awaits you on your release. Look, arms wide open and a broken and sobbing heart. Jesus wants you and me to answer the call. Will we be like Lazarus and come forth.

Come forth to the voice that calls each and everyone of us.

Yes I heard the voice of Jesus say, come unto me and rest, lay down thy weary one lay down, thy head upon my breast. I came to Jesus, as I was, Weary and worn and sad; I found in him a resting-place and He has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, I am this dark world's light; look unto me thy morn shall rise And all the day be bright:" I looked to Jesus and I found in Him my star, my sun, and in that light of life I'll walk, 'til travelling days are done.

Church roll away the stone!