Developing a Maranatha Mindset (Part Two)

From the desk of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. These teachings are comprised of excerpts from my book, “Maranatha, A Biblical Mindset.” The early church believed in having a maranatha-mindset! In part one, we saw an example of this in Titus 2:11-13. According to this passage, it’s the grace of God that instructs the believer to look “for the blessed hope and appearing” of Christ Jesus. That expectancy is all about the maranatha-mindset. Maranatha became a watchword of the early church, used in greetings and as a prayer for the Lord to return, especially during times of persecution. When believers gathered or parted, they didn’t say “what’s up?” or “see you later.” They’d say, “maranatha!” Their greetings were simple reminders of the imminent coming of Jesus to rapture His church. They were constantly reminding and being reminded that the Lord is coming for them. It was their mindset! Today, maranatha continues to be used by some Christians as a way to express their hope and longing for the Lord's return. Let’s examine what Paul teaches. He says, “If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha” (1 Corinthians 16:22). This curse is really a prayer. Paul was asking God to curse those who would come among the Christians in Corinth to lead them away from faith in Christ through false teaching. Paul follows this with another, even shorter prayer: “Our Lord, come!” (Maranatha). Paul deeply longed for Christ to return and all things to be made right. Christians around the world still join Paul in praying for the Lord’s imminent return. Maranatha reminds us to live with the eternal perspectives of God! To those who are discouraged today, Maranatha! To those who are worried today, Maranatha! To those who are filled with worry and anxiety over the problems they are facing, Maranatha! Our Lord is coming! Be encouraged!