Maranatha
The Aramaic word "Maranatha" literally translates to "Our Lord is coming!" or "Our Lord come." The church where my father was pastor had a conference center called "Maranatha Park." There, during Eastertide, visitors greeted each other not with a simple "Hello," but with the word "Maranatha." The hymns sung were about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Paul used the word Maranatha to awaken the expectations of the believers in Corinth: “This is my handwritten greeting, Paul. If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed! Maranatha!” (1. Kor 16,21-22).
To the Thessalonians he wrote: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1. Thess 4,16).
Occasionally I look at the clouds in the sky. When the sun is obscured by a cloud, giving it a silvery edge, I find myself looking for a person on horseback. (Offb 19,11-14).
I quickly realize that this is a dream and not reality. The Second Coming of Christ will not be a quiet affair, for Almighty God will intervene in our world with such power that all of humanity will notice.
Will our love fade?
We are constantly reminded to love one another. We live in a society where self-interest comes first. Excessive indulgence is considered normal today, and the lack of positive relationships is widespread: "Because disregard for the law will increase, love will grow cold in many." (Mt 24,12).
The Holy Spirit moves us to build strong, lasting relationships. He also inspires true leaders and theologians to tell us about the triune God and the intimate relationship He desires with us. This love is the prerequisite for us to be able to love one another unconditionally as children of God.
The question arises whether this period of waning love among us is a sign of the imminent return of Christ. The apostles constantly reminded the church to be ready for the return of Jesus Christ. We are still waiting for this event today. Some of us ask ourselves: "Where is the promise of his coming?" (2. Petr 3,4)Peter answered: “But do not forget one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (2. Petr 3,8).
God's timetable is different from ours. He is patient with us because he wants no one to perish, but rather for all to repent of their sins and be saved: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; the earth and the works done in it will be no more." (2. Petr 3,10).
We should always be vigilant and expect Jesus to return at any time, even if we live in this expectation for 70, 80, or 90 years. You may even die before His return. Then you will meet Jesus Christ. Spend this interim period with the assurance of salvation and the knowledge that all your sins have been forgiven. Live as a child of God and remember that the Lord is coming. Maranatha!
by Eben Jacobs
