Hands That God Uses To Roll Away the Stone
The Teaching Ministry of Dr Joel Dabbas
Focal Scripture:
Matthew 28:2 KJV
"And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it."
John 11:38-45 KJV
"Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. [39] Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. [40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? [41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. [42] And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. [43] And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. [44] And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. [45] Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him."
Introduction: What is a Stone?
In the context of Scripture, a stone is more than a physical object.
Stones:
They symbolize anything that stands in the way of the manifestation of God’s glory in a person’s life.
A stone can be an obstacle, oppression, or a form of resistance that stands against divine intervention and the miraculous power of God.
Stones are a solid spiritual technology fabricated to resist and oppose destinies.
When a stone is rolled away, it signifies breakthrough, restoration, and the removal of barriers that hinder progress. It represents a pivotal moment when divine power comes into play to change the course of a situation. Just as the stone was rolled away from the tomb of Jesus, ushering in victory over death, the rolling away of stones in your life marks the beginning of a new season of miraculous deliverance.
What Do Stones Represent?
I. Stones as Forces That Keep People Bound
Stones often represent forces that prevent people from moving forward. They are limitations, obstacles, and barriers that restrict progress. Just as the stone blocked the entrance to Lazarus' tomb, many people are spiritually or physically confined by forces they cannot see but feel—the weight of family curses, addictions, sickness, financial struggles, or career stagnation.
These stones can also represent entrenched mindsets and fear—things that have "sealed" one’s life in a tomb of despair. The weight of the stone is often so heavy that it feels impossible to move forward. It can seem as though death has already had the final say over a person’s situation. But God is a God who specializes in dealing with heavy stones, even when everything looks hopeless.
II. Stones as Situations That Resist the Word of God
Stones also represent the resistance that comes against the Word of God. God’s Word is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12), yet there are situations in life where this power is contested by forces that don’t want to yield to the authority of Christ. The stones can represent the spiritual resistance—the strongholds or principalities—that contest the promises of God.
For example, when Jesus spoke to Lazarus in John 11, He wasn’t just commanding the dead body; He was also confronting the stronghold of death itself. Similarly, when you speak the Word of God over your situation, you may encounter resistance from the forces of darkness, but remember that the Word of God has the power to roll away every stone.
The Consequences and Effects of Stones
Stones have the power to restrict access to life, joy, and fulfillment.
1. Stones Represent Death
Stones signify the end of something, like the stone that sealed Jesus’ tomb. However, what the enemy uses to seal a person's fate in death, God will use to bring about resurrection.
2. Stones Cause Stagnation
Stones stop movement. You may feel stuck in your situation because the stone is there, but God has the power to move it.
3. Stones May Deceive
Martha believed the stone's presence meant finality ("he stinketh"). We too may look at our situation and see it as hopeless. But with God, nothing is impossible!
4. Stones Delay
Just as the stone delayed Lazarus' resurrection, stones can also cause delays in breakthroughs and the manifestation of God's promises.
5. Stones Try to Maintain the Status Quo
A stone often represents a status quo—an existing condition or pattern that resists change or progress. It’s a force that seeks to preserve things as they are, even if they are unhealthy or detrimental. The stone wants to keep things in the same state, preventing any movement toward growth, transformation, or breakthroughs. It locks people in a state of stagnation, convincing them that their situation is permanent or unchangeable.
For instance, the stone at the entrance of Lazarus’ tomb was not just a physical barrier—it was an emblem of death and an expression of the status quo of Lazarus’ condition. For four days, the stone symbolized the finality of his death. It screamed: “This is how it is. Nothing can change this.” But God, in His infinite power, does not bow to the status quo. When He rolls away the stone, He shatters the very idea of “permanent” situations.
6. Stones Are a Legal Entity That Stamps and Finalizes Issues
Stones often serve as legal instruments that “seal” a situation, making it seem final and irreversible. In many ancient cultures, a stone was used to mark the completion of a matter, a decision, or an event. In biblical times, stones were used to seal tombs (like the stone in front of Jesus' tomb) or stamp decrees (like the stone tablets of the law).
In the same way, the stone can represent a legal verdict or decree that has been spoken over your life—whether it’s a curse, a pronouncement of failure, or even the effects of generational decisions. Stones make it seem like there is no recourse, no appeal, and no way out. But when God intervenes, He overturns legal matters and breaks legal bonds that may have been placed upon you. His judgment has the power to overturn the finality that the stone seems to represent.
7. Stones Are Forces That Retain Decay and Ensure That Smell is Sustained
Stones, particularly those placed over tombs, symbolize decay. They keep things in a state of rotting and corruption, preserving the smell of death. A stone's job is to ensure that nothing moves or escapes, which includes preventing the decay from being exposed to the light. In the case of Lazarus, when the stone was in place, the body’s decomposition process was kept hidden from the outside world.
In life, stones can represent forces that keep you bound to your past, keeping you in cycles of hurt, bitterness, and unresolved issues. They hold you in a state of decay, preventing healing from taking place. The longer the stone remains, the stronger the stench of emotional and spiritual decay. But when God rolls away the stone, He brings restoration, cleansing, and healing, washing away the decay and making all things new.
8. Stones Represent the Power That Sustains Destruction
Stones also symbolize the power of destruction. Their weight and immovability can represent forces in life that seem to have a destructive hold over a person. The stone is a force that sustains destruction, ensuring that no new life, growth, or hope can emerge. Just as the stone kept Lazarus in the grave, there are forces in your life that seem to sustain destruction, feeding off your failure and weakness, and preventing you from experiencing the fullness of God’s purpose for your life.
These forces may be demonic strongholds, negative thoughts, or oppressive circumstances that make it seem like you are stuck in destruction. But God’s power is greater. Just as the stone was rolled away at the tomb, God’s resurrection power can break the cycle of destruction and usher in a new beginning.
9. Stones Are Forces That Keep You to Yourself to Destroy
Stones are also forces that keep you isolated, cutting you off from others and keeping you bound to yourself. The stone serves as a barrier, preventing any connection with others—be it relationships, community, or even spiritual fellowship. This isolation leads to spiritual self-destruction. People who are “sealed” by stones often feel trapped in their own struggles, unable to reach out for help or experience deliverance.
The stone can represent the force of loneliness, pride, or shame that isolates you, causing you to keep to yourself and suffer alone. The enemy
often uses isolation to destroy people, making them feel like they’re the only ones going through a struggle or that no one cares. However, the moment the stone is rolled away, communion is restored, and freedom can be experienced. This isolation is broken, and you can now reach out for support, healing, and restoration.
Hands That Were Instrumental in Rolling the Stones
There are kingdom systems that God uses to roll off stones:
I. The Hand of Angelic Beings
In Matthew 28:2, we see that an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and rolled away the stone from the tomb of Jesus. Angels are ministering spirits sent to assist believers (Hebrews 1:14), and they are divinely empowered to handle situations where natural forces are insufficient. Divine intervention through angels can cause sudden breakthroughs. Angels are helpers, responding to the commands of God, to remove obstacles and open doors that seem shut to mankind.
II. The Hand of Men
In John 11:39, Jesus instructed the people to roll away the stone. The people had to take action and follow the Word of God, demonstrating obedience to God’s instruction. The angel could have rolled away the stone, but God partnered with man to perform the miracle.
People are God's agents who can remove stones from our lives. You must understand the ministry of men in God's agenda and their function in breaking resistance in and around you. Those who despise people won’t enjoy this dimension. It is imperative for us to align with the divine plan by acting in faith and obedience.
When we roll away the stones of doubt, disbelief, or sin, we prepare the ground for the power of God to move. Jesus’ instruction to Martha was a call to believe that God would work, even in seemingly impossible situations.
Conclusion
Beloved, the stones in your life are not permanent. Whether they are stones of sickness, financial difficulties, emotional baggage, or spiritual opposition, God’s power is greater than any stone. He is able to send His angels to remove the barriers, and He is also calling you to actively participate in the miracle by moving the stones in faith.
As you speak the Word of God, believe and act on it, knowing that the stone will be rolled away. You will see the glory of God!
Stones, in all their forms, are not just physical objects—they represent spiritual forces that seal situations, sustain decay, empower destruction, and isolate individuals. They serve as a reminder that, without intervention, we are often trapped, stagnant, or caught in cycles of failure and death.
But praise be to God, He is the God who rolls away the stones! Whether it’s the stone that has sealed your situation in death or the stone of isolation and decay, God has the power to break through the strongest barriers. When He commands, the stone must roll away, and you will witness the resurrection of promises, the restoration of hope, and the release of life.
May every stone in your life be rolled away, and may you experience the fullness of God’s resurrection power today!
Prayer Points to Roll Away the Stones
1. Prayer for Divine Intervention:
"Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask for Your mighty hand to come down from heaven and roll away every stone standing in my way. Remove every barrier to my progress, every obstacle that has been put in place to hinder me from seeing Your glory in my life. Let Your angelic hosts go ahead of me and clear the way!"
2. Prayer for Strength to Roll Away the Stone:
"Lord, empower me with the strength to roll away the stone of unbelief, fear, and doubt that has limited my faith. Help me to trust Your Word, even when it seems impossible, and give me the courage to take action in faith."
3. Prayer for the Resurrection Power of Christ:
"Jesus, I declare that the same resurrection power that raised You from the dead is at work in me. I command every dead thing in my life to come alive! Every dream, every promise, every vision that has been sealed by the stone of despair, I declare that it will rise again!"
4. Prayer for Restoration of Time Lost:
"Lord, every stone that has delayed my progress, I ask You to restore unto me the time I have lost. I declare that in the name of Jesus, I will recover all that the enemy has stolen, and I will see Your goodness in the land of the living."
5. Prayer for Unhindered Access to the Glory of God:
"Father, I believe that You are the God who removes stones, who makes a way where there is no way. I ask that You would roll away every stone that prevents me from experiencing Your glory. I declare open doors, open heavens, and unhindered access to all that You have for me."
In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
May the stones in your life be rolled away, and may you step into a new season of miracles, breakthroughs, and the manifestation of God's glory!
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