Maranatha!

Maranatha!

Did you realize that in the early days of the church, life for a Christian under Roman rule was not easy?  Because the Romans required that every one declare that Caesar was god, the Romans looked upon anyone who would not bow the knee to Caesar as a traitor.  These people were persecuted and even put to death. 

Living under these adverse conditions only strengthened the church, emboldened their witness, and enriched their morale. How is that possible?  Historians tell us it’s because they embraced the attitude and lifestyle of the word “Maranatha!” -  the firm, abiding conviction that Jesus was coming again and His return was imminent. Praise the Lord! 

“Maranatha!” means, “Our Lord, Come!” and was first used by the Apostle Paul in (1 Corinthians 16:22).  The interesting thing about “Maranatha!”  is that it comes in the form of a petition, meaning when a Christian in the early Church made this statement, they were actually petitioning or asking the Lord to return.  That upward look revolutionized the church.  Can you imagine what the church would look like today if “Maranatha!” would return as a sincere greeting and prayer on the lips of an expectant people?

·       To you who are discouraged, Maranatha!

·       To you who are grief-stricken, Maranatha!

·       To you who are full of worry and anxiety, look up!  Maranatha!

·       To you who are embattled with chronic pain or other health concerns, look up!  Maranatha!

·       To you who are faced with children who have turned their backs on the Lord,  Maranatha! 

Beloved, by “looking up!” with anticipation of the imminent return of Jesus, our spirits are renewed, and we are full of joyful expectation.  Maranatha! 

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus”  (Revelation 22:20).  

This is Laine Wilder for Carry the Light Ministries, bringing you Insights From an Elder.

by Laine Wilder

author of “Insights From an Elder” for

Carry the Light Ministries