MARANATHA
"Therefore comfort one another with these words." (I Thessalonians 4:18)
There was a teaching among the Believers at Thessalonica that was causing turmoil and misunderstanding regarding resurrection. Paul set the record straight. There will be a grand resurrection of those who have died in faith in Jesus. There will be a blast of a trumpet and those who have died in faith in the Lord Jesus will be raised first, and then those who are still alive will be caught up along with them to meet the Lord in the air to live forever with Him. We use the term rapture from the Latin word to describe this event -- "raptura" meaning caught up or taken away
Today, we don't necessarily have the confusion regarding those who have died. Scripture plainly teaches that there will be a resurrection of the dead. But we do live in a dark world and sometimes our faith is tossed about regarding the return of Christ. I can say with Paul, "Be comforted. Jesus is coming."
The early church had a word that they commonly used. It was "Maranatha." This term is used only once in the New Testament (I Corinthians 16:22) and it means, "The Lord has come" or "The Lord is coming." In that context it is used particularly in regard to judgment on those who do not love Him. Jesus is coming – Maranatha. As 21st century Believers, we need not live in fear or confusion regarding His coming, but with joyful anticipation we look forward to His return. We pray the prayer of Revelation 22:20 – "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
So, don't be distressed. Be comforted. Maranatha!
Love, Dad
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