Come, Lord Jesus

Is your faith built on knowing about Jesus, or on loving Him?

“If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha!” (1 Corinthians 16:22 NASB).

Paul wrote to the Corinthian church about the disputes that were dividing them. However, he intended the focus to be not on their differences, their politics or individual preferences, or themselves at all: He wanted them to focus on Jesus.

It was not enough to know about Him, the key was to love Him. Paul knew that having a love relationship with Jesus changes everything and redefines what it means to be a Christian. When we love Him, we realize that Christianity is not merely a religion or a set of rituals or rules. Rather, it’s about a relationship.

Being in love with Jesus changes our approach to life and helps us develop right priorities. Instead of being concerned with our own interests, we seek to know and serve Him.

When we love Jesus, we want to be with Him, and we desire His presence more than anything else. Like Paul, we can say, “Maranatha,” a word that means, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

None of us knows when Jesus will return. He said, “About that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36). How can we be sure we’re ready for His return? Perhaps best, by developing a love relationship with Him so that we long for His presence, here on earth or with Him in eternity.

With Paul, say from your heart, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Reflection Question: How would a deeper relationship with the Lord change your daily life?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Maranatha” mean‚ and what language is it?

Maranatha is Aramaic‚ likely meaning “Our Lord‚ come!” It’s one of the few Aramaic phrases preserved untranslated in the Greek New Testament‚ suggesting it was already a familiar liturgical expression in the earliest Christian communities.

Does the Bible give a timeline for Christ’s return?

No. Jesus stated plainly that “no one knows” the day or hour‚ “not even the angels … nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36)—Scripture calls believers to readiness and hope‚ not date-setting.