Category: Devotion of the Day

DON’T MISS JESUS!

But Thomas…was not with them when Jesus came.
John 20:24

Thomas missed one meeting of believers and was an unbeliever for a whole week. It pays to be present when Jesus appears. He guarantees His presence where two or three gather in His Name. Therefore it pays to be at church. There are other places where Jesus reveals Himself – the Book and prayer. And He has promised to reveal Himself to those who have His commandments and keep them. The place of obedience – the temple of the willing heart – there you may be sure He appears.

Don’t miss Jesus. It makes a doubting Thomas. If we were on hand at these meeting places we would not be demanding extra evidences before we believe. Sometimes our Lord does grant a special manifestation, but “blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed.”

Be there when Jesus comes. I don’t know what other business Thomas had that evening, but if your other business makes you miss Jesus you have to much business!

ANATHEMA OR MARANATHA?

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

The great apostle in a day when unbelieving Jews were calling Jesus accursed throws back the anathema with power. Then he takes an Aramaic term, which the scholars have argued over as to whether it means the Lord has come or “May he come!”

These two words, spelled with almost the same letters, set forth two viewpoints poles apart. There are millions today whose mark might well be anathema. They blaspheme the Lord and they are accursed. False preachers of “another Gospel” are anathema. The bitter hostility of long ago boiled over in that word.

Over against that is the love that said instead, “Jesus is Lord,” and, looking for His return, cried, “Maranatha.” Looking for the Lord was a distinguishing mark of first-century Christianity. Strange and sad it is that so many who claim to love Him today do not thrill to “The Lord cometh.”

Are you Anathema or Maranatha? Which is the cry of your soul?