Wednesday, May 4, 2016

- Come Lord Jesus. Maranatha. The Lord is coming - “Maranatha!” became the common greeting of the oppressed believers, replacing the Jewish greeting shalom (“peace”). The followers of Jesus knew there would be no peace because Jesus had told them so.

Come Lord Jesus. 
Maranatha
.
What does ‘maranatha’ mean?
.
Maranatha is an Aramaic word that means “the Lord is coming” or “come, O Lord.” `
.
The early church faced much persecution, and life for a Christian under Roman rule was not easy. The Romans required everyone to declare that Caesar was god.
.
The early Christians knew that there is only one God and one Lord—Jesus Christ—and in all good conscience they could not call Caesar “Lord,” so the Romans looked upon them as traitors, persecuted them, and put them to death.

Living under those adverse conditions, the believers’ morale was lifted by the hope of the coming of the Lord..

“Maranatha!” became the common greeting of the oppressed believers, replacing the Jewish greeting shalom (“peace”). The followers of Jesus knew there would be no peace because Jesus had told them so
.
Not Peace, but a Sword
34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34 (ESV)

51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. Luke 12:51 (ESV)
But they also knew the Lord would be returning to set up His kingdom, and from that truth they drew great comfort. They were constantly reminding and being reminded that the Lord is coming (Luke 21:28;  Revelation 22:12).
Jesus taught several parables on this same theme of watching and waiting and being prepared for His return.     
  28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV)     
  28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 12:35-40 (ESV)
Today, as believers in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we live our lives in the light of the knowledge that He can come at any time. We are to be ready when the call comes.
Every day we should expect Him to come, and every day we should long for Him to come. 
Maranatha reminds us to keep our eyes on the eternal things of the Spirit.      
 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 
 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3 (ESV)
To dwell on material things is to be in constant mental turmoil. Looking down, we see the earth; looking around, we see earthly things. But looking up, we see the hope of the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
To those who are discouraged today, Maranatha!
To those who are worried today, Maranatha!
To those who are filled with anxiety over the problems they are facing, Maranatha!
Our Lord is coming! 
Are you struggling with a big decision or wondering how your eternal future will play out?
Why not talk to the God of the universe and let Him work in your behalf?
He says, “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you" (Psalm 32:8).
Ask God to show you what to do. Pray the following prayer:
“Heavenly Father,
I admit that I am a sinner and my sins have separated me from You. I now want to turn away from my past sinful life and begin a new life with You.
Please forgive me. I now receive your Son, Jesus Christ as my Savior, my Master and my Lord. I believe and confess that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose from the dead.
I want to receive all that Jesus Christ has provided for me as my Savior. Your Word says, ‘Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved’ (Romans 10:13).
I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no man comes unto the Father, but by Him.
Lord Jesus, I pray and ask You, to come into my heart and be Lord of my life. I thank You that you have given me eternal life, and according to Your Word, I am born again.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit Who is in me now. I surrender my life to You. I promise to study Your Word – the Bible.
Use me for Your glory.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.” 
RELATED POSTS:

How are we to know when Jesus is coming back?

.
.
.
.
.
.

What is heaven like? The spectacular mysteries of our heavenly home.  

Answering Hard Questions About the Afterlife 


   “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less” 
    Edward Mote   
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkMapZB8qMk
lyrics
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
Refrain

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Refrain

Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)