MARANATHA is an Aramaic word embedded in the Greek text of 1Corinthians 16:22 and Revelation 22:20. Translated into English it means, "Come, oh Lord." The early Christians used the word to express their future hope.

The word maranatha raises a question. Why do Christians want the Lord to come? Why do we live in expectation of the future? The answer is we are looking forward to Judgment Day. We anticipate this day because Jesus will come alongside each Christian and say, "Father, this woman is mine. I died to take away her sins. She is clean." "Father, do not condemn this man. He is the reason I went to the cross. Take him into heaven on my account." It will be a moment of affirmation, a day of victory. It will fulfill all we've hoped for, everything we've dreamed about.

Our reaction to Judgment Day? Maranatha! We long to feel His arm around us and to hear God say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master."

Maranatha. Come, oh Lord!