Only appearing once in the Bible, the significance of the Aramaic phrase “Maranatha” is great because, to us Christians, it is a watchword.

Jesus’ first coming brought hope. His second coming will bring joy that will last forever for his followers. Living between these two times, we yearn for, look forward to, and trust God that Christ will come again. In the meantime, it’s important to find perspective in our momentary existence, and to continually pray, “Come, Lord Jesus!” And in glorious anticipation to cling to 1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV, “We shall see [him] face-to-face.”

Maranatha expresses our longing for Jesus’ return, not as a helpless baby, but as the victorious King who comes to set all things right and make all things new. Just as the angels told the disciples in Acts 1:10 NIV, “They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’”

We should embrace this scripture. It is a beautiful assurance of a future reality for believers to keep their minds set on things above and move through life today and tomorrow with joy and peace even when things are hard. The early church used “Maranatha” as a declaration of faith and victory over sin and death in the face of persecution. Day and night, they didn’t say hello or goodbye but “Maranatha!”

If we have the same positive outlook today, it will revolutionize the church with a deepening awareness of our Savior’s imminent return. Maranatha!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that the Lord shall come to earth and all the saints and angels with him; and the Lord shall be King over all the earth on that day. He shall be one Lord, and his name one, and the government will be upon his shoulder. We yearn for the day we join the great voices in heaven saying, “The kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord, and His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.” Thy Kingdom come. Maranatha! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Take a few minutes to think about all the things the Lord has done for you in your lifetime. Then, think about the return of Jesus and how glorious it will be. Think about reuniting with your loved ones in Heaven and seeing our Holy God face to face. Borrowing some of the words from the song, I can only imagine, “Will you dance before Him, or in awe of Him will you be still? Will you stand in His presence, or fall to your knees in worship? Will you sing Hallelujah, or will you even be able to speak at all in front of such majesty?” What will your heart feel? Spend some time praising Him for who He is.