“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”
Matthew 24:42 (ESV)
Christ is coming.
I remember when I first began my walk with God, I was deeply passionate about reading end-time prophecy. I spent a considerable amount of time studying the books of Revelation and Daniel. The Lord opened my mind and allowed me to understand many things concerning His return.
This subject has always captivated the hearts of believers. Still, many don’t truly understand what “Maranatha” means—or why it matters. That’s why I want to take a moment to share about this powerful biblical word.
Maranatha was a word the early apostles used to refer to the coming of Christ. What’s impactful is that they used it to encourage and exhort one another. It was a word that filled them with faith and hope, inspiring them to keep advancing in their mission.
Sadly, in our generation, when we speak about the return of the Lord, many people respond with fear. It’s almost as if they don’t want to hear about it. This reaction often stems from hearts that have lost their passion and zeal because deep down, they feel unprepared to stand before God.
1. Maranatha as a Call to Repentance
The first message we find in the word Maranatha is a clear one: Be ready.
Matthew 24:42 instructs us to be prepared at all times. This message is especially for those who feel afraid when they hear about the Lord’s return.
It is a call to repentance for anyone who is not at peace with God.
Dear friend, if you’ve allowed sin into your life or have chosen a path apart from Jesus, I urge you: remember that the Lord is coming soon. There is still time to turn back to Him and surrender your life completely to Jesus.
Don’t wait any longer—today is the day of salvation.
2. Maranatha as a Call to Urgency in Preaching the Gospel
The second message Maranatha carries is an urgent call to preach the Gospel.
It’s no secret—we are living in the end times. Yet many believers remain spiritually asleep, unaware that people around them desperately need Jesus. Sharing the Good News must be our highest priority.
I encourage you to start a cell group in your home, sharing Christ with your neighbors, coworkers, at your school, university, or wherever the Lord has placed you.
If you’ve received the gift of salvation, the least you can do is bring that same message to someone else.
3. Maranatha as the Cry of a Generation Who Loves and Waits for Jesus
The third meaning of Maranatha is the genuine cry of a generation that the things of this world have not defiled.
It’s the cry of believers who understand that true life is found only in Jesus.
To you, who long for His return, my invitation is to consecrate yourself even more.
Invest your life in worshiping God, and use all your gifts and talents to bear much fruit when that glorious day comes.
My prayer is that this message reaches your spirit and that you truly grasp: Christ is coming soon.
Maranatha will also be the central theme of our International Youth Convention, taking place June 25–27, 2025.
If you would like to register or learn more, click here:
