If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maranatha. I Corinthians 16:22 (KJV)

Let’s break down a few of the words in this verse from the original language. Lord, means ruler, master, owner. Jesus means Yahweh saves. Christ means anointed one. Anathema means cursed. The verse takes on a much richer meaning when we know what these words mean. Maranatha means come Lord, or come our Lord. It is from the Aramaic language, which was the commonly spoken language of Jesus’ day.

Paul said if any man does not love Jesus, let him be cursed or doomed. This shows that a person who does not truly love the Lord will not be with Him- simply because they are not in true fellowship with Him. Those who love Jesus want to be with Him, therefore they utter the heartfelt prayer “Come Lord Jesus,” or “Maranatha.”

Maranatha was probably used as a prayer and greeting by the early church. It’s been said that this word was used as code for believers to identify other true believers in the first century during persecution of the church.

Maranatha is a term of hope, a sincere cry coming from our desire for the soon return of our Lord. Those who love the Lord Jesus Christ long for and wait for the rapture of the church. We can actually hasten, or speed up the Lord’s return fro His bride by winning the lost, witnessing, teaching, and preaching the good news. I don’t know about you, but I long to be with Christ, and I want to do everything I can to speed things up so I can be with Him forever. Maranatha!!!

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20 (KJV)