Let go......

"he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"......... Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." (John 11:43c & 44c)

Now that is an interesting idea - isn't it.  What does it make you think of?  Do you start thinking of something, or someone, you love?  Do you start thinking of something you are angry about?  Do you start thinking of your to do list?  Or what about your someday list?  Or, for some of us, who (or what) is holding you back?  There are a lot of things coming to mind aren't there?  So what do we do?

The Scripture readings, today are about God calling us by name.  God knows us by name, knew us before we were formed, some translations say knit together, in our mother's womb.  AND, my friend, Isaiah, says God has us by the hand and in God's hand.  The question is are we answering, coming or doing?  Jesus is thanking God for listening and answering Jesus prayers. (John 11:42) He is also pointing out "this is for the people here" to see God's miracles.  We can picture it but can we put ourselves into the picture?  Can we, like Lazarus, get up and come when called?  One of Carmen's songs is about Lazarus having a wonderful visit with Abraham, and some others, when Jesus calls to "come out!" (John ll:43c)  Kind of the "who me" response, in the song, before answering.

Is it also something holding us back?  Jesus' response is to tell people to "let him go."  (John 11:44c) We need to let go.  We need to let go of the anger, the fear, or whatever is holding us back.  We need to be listening for what God is calling us to do.  Then we need to "let go,"  "come out" and follow where God is leading.