The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
—2 Peter 3:9
Maranatha* — O Lord, come! This cry of the early church, especially during times of trial, persecution, and difficulty, must be tempered. This verse reminds us that many are lost in this world and around us, including our loved ones, friends, and family. Our passion for the Lord's coming must be equaled by our passion for sharing his grace with those who have not "come to repentance" and have not changed their lives to serve the Lord Yeshua, who died to bring us to life. Until He comes, let's commit to doing His work of gathering others to see His message in how we live our lives - repentance, turning away from sinful ways, and living with hope, waiting for His return and salvation in Him.
*Maranatha - late 14c., "at the coming of the Lord," a Bible word, from Greek Maranatha, a Greek form of an untranslated Aramaic (Semitic) word in I Corinthians xvi.22, where it follows Greek anathema (with which it has no grammatical connection) and therefore has been taken as part of a phrase which is used as a curse (see anathema). The Aramaic word has been explained as "Our Lord, come thou" or "Our Lord hath come," apparently a solemn formula of confirmation, like amen; but possibly it is a false transliteration of Hebrew mohoram atta "you are put under the ban," which would make sense in the context [Klein].
PLEASE PRAY WITH ME: O great and patient God, please use all of your power and grace to bring my loved ones and dear friends to repentance so that when Jesus appears, they can share in my joy and your salvation. In the name of Jesus, the only Savior, I pray. AMEN.
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