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Article Archive |
2008
Maranatha!
by Jim Morris
Imagine living as a Palestinian Jew in the first century A.D. Signs of the Roman military occupation were everywhere. Roman soldiers guarded the markets and assembly places within the holy city of Jerusalem. The Roman standard with its eagle overshadowed the Star of David. The Latin language commanded attention over the holy tongue of Hebrew. Worst of all, Roman law held sway over the holy Torah.
Do you suppose they yearned for the Promised Messiah to come quickly? Depending upon who we were to ask, we might be surprised at their answers.
First we ask, “Do you want the Messiah to come today?” Some might say, “No!” They say, “He will ruin my fun!” King Herod did not want the Messiah to come. The Messiah would put an end to Herod’s evil but prosperous way of life. When Herod got news that the Messiah was born he attempted to murder his rival before He had a chance to grow up (Matthew 2:1-18).
Today, some would also say, “No!” The coming of the Lord would put an end to their evil way of life. They are those who fight against God with murderous ferocity. They are the ones who make laws that benefit the evil and harm the good. They will allow no rival to thwart their plans!
Again we ask, “Do you want the Messiah to come today?” Others might say, “Maybe.” Their concern is, “What will Jesus do for me?” It depends on whether or not the Messiah fits their expectations (Luke 7:31-35). These are the folks who want to live by their own rules. The Messiah must be made in their own image to be acceptable to them.
Today, some would also say, “Maybe.” He must give me what I want, and allow me to keep my favorite sins. These are the folks who want a “domesticated Messiah” who is more of a jolly Santa Clause bringing gifts than a Holy Savior bringing righteousness.
Once more we ask, “Do you want the Messiah to come today?” Some might say, “What Messiah?” The eunuch in Acts chapter 8 needed help to understand the passage from Isaiah 53 about the Messiah he was reading. Philip taught that seeker from the same scripture about the good news of Jesus Christ.
Today, many people would answer in the same way. They have either not heard about Jesus or have been taught incorrectly. They need to see the real Jesus taught directly from the pages of scripture and to see Him living in the lives of His true disciples.
Finally we ask, “Do you want the Messiah to come today?” Some said, “Yes!” They say, “What can we do for Him?” They yearn for the fulfillment of holy prophecy. With humble hearts these noble souls cry out, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!” Let us lift our voices with their expectant plea, “Maranatha!” which means “Come, O Lord!”(1 Corinthians 16:22).
05-07-08
# 19
