During this season of Lent, we are reminded of the words of Jesus Christ: “Jesus wept” the shortest verse in the Bible, yet full of compassion and meaning. We also remember when He said, “Loose him, and let him go.” Just as Lazarus was set free, every burden, every problem in our lives can be released by His power.
When Lazarus was sick, Jesus did not come immediately. To many, it may have seemed like delay or neglect. Even today, when people lose loved ones in hospitals, there is often anger and blame. But in the case of Lazarus, it was not neglect, it was for the glory of God, to strengthen the faith of His people. When Jesus finally arrived and saw the people weeping, He wept with them. Then He commanded, “Roll away the stone.” Lazarus came forth, and Jesus said, “Untie him and let him go.”
This reminds us that we, too, must remove the “grave clothes” in our lives: sin, bitterness, doubt and walk in freedom.
In this Lenten season, how do we keep our faith? Sometimes we claim to fast, but our actions do not reflect sincerity. True fasting is not just about abstaining from food, it is about transformation of the heart.
The first and greatest call is love. When God gave the commandments through Moses, they were many and demanding. But Jesus summarized them into two. Love God, Love your neighbor. So we must ask ourselves. Do we truly love our neighbor? Do we care for those in need? Have we visited the sick or those in prison? Have we forgiven those who hurt us?
Lent calls us to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, but above all, it calls us to reconciliation. If you have a grudge against someone, Scripture says: leave your gift at the altar, go and be reconciled first.
This is the season to let go, just as Jesus said, “Loose him and let him go.”
So today, let your burdens go. Let your anger go. Let your sorrow go. Walk in freedom, love, and faith.