17th August 2025

Maranatha

And Jesus said, . . . and you shall see the Son of man

sitting at the right hand of power,

and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Mark 14:62

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 24: 36-44.

Maranatha is an exclamation consisting of two Aramaic words, found twice in the New Testament. It was probably used by the first Christians, with the expectation of the imminent return of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 16:22 & Rev 22:20), which is an event that the Bible tells the Christian to be ready for at any time.

The world in which we live is full of pessimism. No Christian has the scriptural right to go around wringing his hands wondering what we are to do in the face of the present world situation. The Scripture says that in the midst of persecution, confusion, wars, and rumours of wars, we are to comfort one another with the knowledge that our Lord Jesus Christ is coming back in triumph, glory, and majesty. Many times when I go to bed at night, I think to myself that before I awake Christ may come. Sometimes when I get up and look at the sunrise, I wonder If perhaps this might be the day the Lord will return. He has told we Christians to be watching constantly and to be ready, “for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44). Do you think Christ will come today? “Probably not,” you say. However, It is on just such a day that He may come. What a glorious time of reunion it’s going to be, when we shall be caught up to glory with Him!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the hope that even today I may have the joy of seeing You face to face! Amen.