MARANATHA!

So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. – John 11:17

Death is defined as the cessation of life; it connotes an end to something, finality, and most times, a hopeless situation. However, for a believer, death does not always mean you have come to the end of a matter, because we have Jesus, our Resurrection and Life. He restores, and makes alive that which was dead, as can be seen in Lazarus’ case.

Two key phrases in this verse are JESUS CAME and FOUR DAYS. The body of Lazarus had been in the grave for four days, but Jesus still came, and that’s what mattered most. Jesus’ coming on this occasion changed the narrative of this story; it brought joy, and restored hope for a hopeless situation.

Sometimes, you may find yourself dealing with an issue that has lasted for days, weeks, months or years; you might even be dealing with a situation that seems hopelessly beyond repair – dead. However, you should not let that unsettle you. Abraham and Sarah faced a similar challenge, so did Zacharias and Elizabeth, at the time when it was physically impossible for them to have children because of age, God intervened, strengthened their bodies, gave life to their deadness, and they were able to bring forth their children (Romans 4:17-19, Luke 1:13-18, & 36-37).

The manifest presence of Jesus (His divine intervention) changes circumstances. When Jesus ‘comes’ on the scene, time becomes inconsequential and the consequences of delays and decay are suspended and reversed; age long issues are resolved and redeemed.

The early Christians usually greeted one another, “Maranatha!” which means, ‘COME O Lord!’ It contextually meant that they were expecting the coming of the Lord. However, it also applies to situations in our lives in which we need Jesus to show up – to come and intervene in. So, we can also look at a situation for which we need God’s intervention and say, MARANATHA!!!

No matter what is dying, dead or decayed around you (marital, financial, spiritual, physical, emotional, etc.), by faith, invite Jesus into it. WHEN JESUS COMES, there shall be resurrection – Hallelujah!

Experience MARANATHA in all situations and battles today in Jesus’ name!

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