"'Take away the stone,' Jesus said. “Lord, by now he stinks,' said Martha, the sister of the dead man. 'It has already been four days.' Jesus replied, 'Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would 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...'" (John 11:40, BSB) Most times in life we get everything right. By reason of our carefulness and devoted adherence to the word of God, we succeed at hitting the right hammer at the head of the right. Most times we arrive in time to the right place where our destiny is supposed to be changed for good and forever; we play our part so well that we are sure that everything has fallen into place. But then when we come face to face to take the last step; to take the last engaging and endearing leap of faith, to take the last gasp that will bring everything to its finale, we meet the final and greatest challenge; and most times , our strength fail. And if care is not taken all the effort we have put into getting to where we are become a wasted effort. That is why we must learn to take that last step rightly, we must learn to deal with that final issue; we must learn to take away the final barrier!.
When Jesus came to Mary and Martha to help them with their brother, an issue arose at the final stage of that process. Mary and Martha had done everything right. They sent for Jesus. They had faith in Jesus. They believed that Jesus would help their brother. Even when Jesus arrived they received and entertained him. But when the time for the grand finale came; when it was time for Jesus to raise their brother Lazarus from the dead; behold there was a stone standing in the way. The stone standing in the way that day was not just the physical stone that covered Lazarus' grave or tomb. No, there was another stone - another barrier a much heavier and greater barrier that stood in the way, and it was in the heart of Mary and Martha. Jesus addressed Martha and said "Take away the stone!"
Jesus saw through Martha, and saw the unbelief, the doubt, the lack of faith and confidence that has beset her, and He demanded that she put it off. Some of us always get it right until it remains the last step. We would perform wonderfully in our exams until the last paper. We will do well in the preliminary stage of that job interview until it comes to the last one.The business negotiation will progress well until it gets to the point where the customer should pay us. At the last stage everything falls apart. Jesus is saying He is going to take away that stone, that barrier, that near-success syndrome. He is going to take it away. He says just believe and you will see the glory of God!
Friend, God has led us this month through a journey into His glory. It has been our month of glory. I don't know if you have seen the glory of God up till now. Today is the last day in the month of July. I speak to you right now even if you have not received or experienced that glory up till now, in this last 24 hours, the glory of God will not pass you by in Jesus name. It is time to take off the last barrier. Jesus is here. Surrender and submit to Him. Believe and you will see the glory of God.
God bless you and see you in August tomorrow!