MARANATHA
27th Jul 2022
Jesus instituted the “Breaking of Bread” and commanded His disciples to remember Him, and said He would come back for them, much as a bridegroom would return to claim his bride. Since that time believers have celebrated His death and resurrection and continue to expect His return. However, it is so easy to ignore the emotion involved and for this to become rote.
The Last Supper was associated with betrothal, passion and pent up longing. The One you love is going away, but when the time is right, when all preparations have been put in place, and the Bridegroom’s Father declares everything to be ready for the wedding feast; He will be sent back to get His bride. Meanwhile the bride is waiting, longing, looking with passion and eager anticipation. In this context the word “Maranatha” is shouted out - “Come Lord, come, beloved Bridegroom come.”
I’ve been reading in Isaiah the scriptures that tell of Messiah and gave hope throughout the nation of Israel’s troubled history. They didn’t recognise Jesus to be the Messiah at His first coming, and Jews still look for a political leader who will lead the nation in a ‘King David’ manner.
We as Christians are also looking and longing for Jesus to come again and be seen in His Glory and Majesty. Isaiah 52:15 declares, “For what they were not told they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.” (The eyes of the blind will see and the deaf hear).
Isaiah 52:10 says, “The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all nations, and the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.”
I’m putting a link to a beautiful song written by Ruth Fazal -“Maranatha” - listen to the words, expressing such raw emotion, deep longing as she sings “Beloved Bridegroom Come.”
Here are some of the words - “Waiting for you to return….longing for my bridegroom to appear, to see the One I love, to rest within His arms. I’ll watch and watch and cry with all my heart, “Maranatha”.
I have to ask myself, “Am I longing like this? Is my expectation alive? When I ‘Break Bread’ am I expecting and longing for Jesus’ second coming? Is there any reality, or is it just a tradition?
As the hymn says, “When He comes, our glorious King, All His ransomed home to bring, Then anew this song we’ll sing; Hallelujah! What a Saviour!”
by Joyce Sibthorpe
