Maranatha

looking to heavenPeople look to the future with longing. Our hopes aim for better times, nicer homes, easier finances, better health – all in the future. Sometimes we feel disappointed when we realize what we have now is probably as good as it’s going to get. Nevertheless, we still hope the future will be better.

The New Testament guarantees that we will indeed have a better future, but not necessarily in this world. Paul directed Titus to teach that we should be “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.” (Titus 2:13). We aren’t just to hope for a better future here, but the one coming with Jesus when He returns. Peter said the same: “…looking for and hastening the coming day of God.” (2 Pet.3:12).

In Peter’s day, Christians longed for the return of Jesus. Was it was the atmosphere of danger and persecution that heightened their desire for that day?Perhaps.Today we’re so busy with daily life that we put Christ’s return on the back burner. But He’s coming, and it will be a glorious day.

Paul had a word for it: Maranatha! He used it in 1 Corinthians 13:22; a final thought, full of emotion, as he closed his letter to his Christian friends. It means “O Lord come!” It may have been a common watchword expressed as Christians parted.It captures the thought of what we need to look forward to every day, whether together or apart.

Maranatha!

– Tim Johnson