“After Jesus gave thanks to God, he loudly called, ‘Lazarus, come out!’”
John 11:43
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage continues the story by the Gospel Writer called John about the raising of Lazarus. To fully appreciate how it applies to our lives, read it from a mystical, metaphysical perspective, rather than a literal one.
- In the passage, Jesus represents our Christ consciousness (our anointed, most spiritually mature self), while Lazarus represents dormant life.
- Death, like sleep, can be viewed metaphysically as an impermanent state from which we can be awakened.
- As Jesus commands Lazarus to reveal himself in the light of day, Jesus also foreshadows his own resurrection.
- The words we speak to ourselves and others are so powerful that they can liberate or bury. They reach our subconscious mind, solidifying our beliefs and guiding our choices. No matter whether the words are positive or negative, our subconscious hears and adheres to those words.
- A key reason to monitor our self-talk is that we may have heard abusive, belittling, or demeaning words spoken about ourselves or others. For example, we may have been called “stupid,” “unlovable,” or worthless.” We may have been taught that only specific people do certain things. Or that we can’t be or have something because it isn’t “right.” Or we can’t love some people because “they’re not our kind.” These false beliefs, projected onto us, can keep us stuck in a cave like Lazarus.
- Jesus’s literal call to “come out” invites Lazarus to a spiritual awakening. In modern speak, it’s like Jesus shouting, “Lazarus, Holla,” so Lazarus can be “woke” to his true life.
- As Former Editors of Daily Word Mary-Alice and Richard Jafolla teach in The Lazarus Blueprint: Ancient Secrets for Healing and Inner Peace, focusing words like a laser beam has “the power to change your world” (p. 116). “A short, very pointed, sharply directed strong command, proclaimed with passion, has a powerful impact on your thought patterns, especially when backed by your conviction and emotion” (p. 122).
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- What are the self-defeating things I say about myself and/or a situation I want to overcome?
- Without analysis or judgment, like a brain dump, list, word map, or illustrate whatever they are.
- When I reflect on these self-defeating words, how do they keep me stuck?
- Without analyzing or judging your previous choices or anyone else’s role in the situation, list, word map, or illustrate the beliefs that block your freedom.
- What new, life-affirming words can I speak?
- List, word map, or illustrate as many new, positive affirmations as you can. State them in the present tense. For example, “I am choosing to free myself.” Or “I am awake to new opportunities.”
- What within me or my life needs a spiritual awakening?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as applies.
- What are at least three (3) ways I can allow the Spirit of Life to awaken within me?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.
- Who is at least one (1) person I trust to encourage me in my spiritual awakening?
- Note who this person is.
- Then, list, word map, or illustrate what you’ll do to stay connected with them.
Be gentle and patient with yourself as you use this devotional. Speak life-affirming words with assurance and confidence, whether aloud or silently. Remind yourself that you are awakening the great Spirit of Life within you. Then, trust this life to reveal itself and lead you forward.
Here’s a sample affirmation:
“The Great Spirit of Life is always supporting me. I now align myself with this universal creative energy, and I let it flow through me. I trust in my best outcome, and I am truly grateful!”
For more about speaking Denials and Affirmations, click here.
© 2022 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
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