Whilst away in the mission field, Jesus received word that His friend Lazarus, a family friend who resided in Bethany, had taken ill. The news did not upset Jesus; he barely remarked that Lazarus would not die as a result of this ailment. So He prolonged His stay another two days before heading back to Bethany.
Lazarus unfortunately succumbed to his illness and died. Jesus then announced to His disciples: "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up." (Jn.11:11) To clear His disciples' misunderstanding, Jesus further clarified, "Lazarus is dead."
Jesus arrived in Bethany the fourth day after Lazarus had passed on. Amidst all the grief and sadness, Martha told Jesus in no uncertain terms that if He had been around, her "brother would not have died." (v21) Jesus assured her: "Your brother will rise again!" (v23)
Mary, Lazarus' sister cautioned the Master that by then the corpse would have decomposed.
Defying all odds, Jesus gave the command for the stone to be removed. then He prayed to His Father: "Father, I thank you that you have heard me...." (v41)
A second instruction was given with a loud voice: "Lazarus, come out!" "The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face." Jesus then asked. "Take off the graves clothes and let him go." (v43-44)
Until the stone is rolled away there can be no resurrection. Until we take authority over our challenges and circumstances we cannot claim victory. Jesus has given the command that whatever has kept our hands and feet bound be removed. Obedience precedes blessings!
Remember power and authority over all things has been given to Him..