Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s great to be here with you today.
Today is September 26.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down

You are stepping into a sacred space with the intent of meeting Jesus.
He wants to meet with you and spend time with you.
Take this moment to slow down, quiet your mind, and prepare your heart to connect with Him.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, thank you.”
As you exhale, pray: “for raising Lazarus.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read

Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
(John 11:38–44, NLT)

Notice

What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a word or phrase that catches your attention?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread

Hear this passage again and notice Jesus’ emotions.

Meditate

This stands as Jesus's greatest miracle before His own resurrection. Lazarus has been dead for four days. He's experiencing decomposition. There's no question about what has occurred. This isn't a healing. This isn't a recovery. This is resurrection. This is death being conquered.
And Jesus is still angry as He arrives at the tomb.
"Roll the stone aside," Jesus told them.
Martha protests: "Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible."
She's being practical. She's being realistic. Four days in a sealed tomb in the Middle Eastern heat. The decomposition would be unmistakable. The stench would be overwhelming.
But Jesus responds with a question that cuts to the heart: "Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believe?"
This isn't about comfort. This isn't about avoiding an unpleasant smell. This is about faith. This is about seeing God's glory. This is about believing.
So they roll the stone aside.
Then Jesus does something remarkable. He prays. Out loud. In front of everyone.
"Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me."
Jesus isn't praying because He's uncertain. He's praying because He wants the people watching to understand that this miracle comes from God. That He and the Father are one. That His power is God's power.
Then He shouts: "Lazarus, come out!"
And the dead man comes out. Bound in graveclothes. Wrapped in a headcloth. But alive. Walking. Resurrected.
"Unwrap him and let him go!"
Jesus doesn't just raise Lazarus. He commands the people to unwrap him. To set him free. To let him go.
This is resurrection. Not just a return to life. But a return to freedom. A return to community. A return to being fully alive and fully free.
Take a few moments to sit with this question:
How does the resurrection of Lazarus land on me? What does it tell me about Jesus's power?

Respond

Jesus, I believe in You. I believe that You have power over death. I believe that You are the Resurrection and the Life. Help me live like I believe it. Help me stop living in fear and start living in the freedom of resurrection.

Exercise

The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Walk With Jesus
Today's habit is an act of contemplative presence.
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. He conquered death. Today, you're going to take a walk with Jesus and sit with what that means.
Find a quiet place—a cemetery, a park, a nature trail, anywhere you can walk uninterrupted for 30–45 minutes. Put your phone away. Leave the distractions behind.
As you walk, talk to Jesus. Out loud if you can. Honestly.
Ask yourself these questions and bring them to Him:
Do I really believe You have power over death?
What am I afraid of? What death am I living in?
What would it look like to live as someone who's been resurrected?
How do I need to be unwrapped and set free?
Don't rush through these questions. Sit with them. Let Jesus speak to your heart. Listen for His response.
By the end of your walk, you'll know what resurrection living looks like for you. You'll know what needs to change. You'll know what it means to come out of the tomb and be fully alive.

I have two asks of you before you go, could you please share this podcast with one person today and check out the review of this podcast on Elevate Society?
That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard…share it and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.