Maranatha--The Word Is Out!

I remember years ago when “the word” was on the lips of many Christians.  A song was even written about it.  The word is Maranatha!  But what does Maranatha mean, you may be wondering?

I haven’t heard this word spoken or sermons preached about it in quite some time, but that does not alter or negate the reality of what it points to.  Maranatha is commonly understood as “Our Lord, come!”  or “The Lord is coming.”  Although translations and interpretations may vary slightly, the message of longing for our Lord’s coming remains.

This word has nothing to do with what the world has to offer, but everything to do with the promise of Jesus Christ returning for His own—to receive His bride, the church of the living God, made up of born-again believers.  Expressions such as “caught up” and “the Rapture” have been used to describe this anticipated event.

A few days ago, the title of this writing, “The Word Is Out,” came to mind.  I jotted it down in my phone’s Reminders, anticipating that thoughts pertaining to those four words would come to me sometime in the future.  They did!

Today, I scanned my reminders and saw the title.  Immediately, the word Maranatha came to mind like a drumbeat.  I hadn’t thought about this word in years, but there it was!

In 1 Corinthians 16:22, we read, “If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed.  Maranatha!”  The word expresses the longing, “Our Lord, come!”

Our love for Jesus Christ is not a minor detail of our faith; it is central to it.  And the expectation of His coming reminds us that our relationship with Him is a matter of eternal importance.

I believe this writing may mark a renewed emphasis on the fact that Jesus is coming again.  Maranatha!

We need to get the word out and spread the good news of His coming like never before.  When people ask what Maranatha means, the explanation can open the door to witnessing about God’s amazing grace and everlasting love.

Most importantly, we need to share the story of redemption—that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and made a way for us to be reconciled to God.  We should also encourage others to be ready for His return in all His glory, recognizing that the event we anticipate is not something to take lightly or postpone preparing for.

Every Christian needs to get the word out.

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’  Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” — Revelation 22:20

What a beautiful promise to hold close to our hearts!  May we be found faithful, walking in His ways, sharing His love, and looking forward to His glorious appearing.

Maranatha—our Lord, come!

Written by,

Papa Boyd