“Maranatha” , meaning “come Lord, come”, is a word in the Aramaic language, a dialect of Hebrew, the language that Jesus spoke. Although the New Testament was written in Greek, the language introduced to Europe and Asia Minor by Alexander the Great and then remained as the common language of the Roman Empire, it was still adaptable enough to incorporate “loan words” as needed.
In this conclusion to Paul’s letter he addresses what is probably incomprehensible to most modern people. He speaks a curse on some and extends love and grace to others.
What’s up with that?
We moderns have such a difficult time with the Holiness of God. Yet, God’s love and God’s judgment are two sides of the same coin. Just as it is the very same sun that melts butter and hardens clay, it is the very same God whose love is so blazingly strong that it drives each of us to a decision, either to reciprocate His Love or to reject it. Ultimately each of us makes a decision with our lives, we either love God back or we end up having rejected him.
Paul closes his letter with strong words for those who reject God’s Grace in Christ and, yes, for the apathetic.
There is simply too much at stake when each of us faces God at our death or at the return of Jesus. Better to be challenged to a decision now, than to face God unprepared. Not to make a decision means having made one already.
Two sides of the same coin? Perhaps; but Therese of Lisieux had love and justice in a right perspective when she said, "Since it is true that God's love is deeper and more comprehensive that His justice (It is written "God is love." but never "God is justice."), then it is God's love rather than justice that calls for our response and service.
ReplyDelete"But you must return to your God; maintain love & justice and wait for your God always" Hosea 12:6
ReplyDeleteGod is love and God is just. Justice is born out of love and draws people to God. Love, without justice lacks accountability and leaves people in a state of sin. Love & justice is a balance maintained through the hope we have in Christ.
Gods mercy, His faithfulness are new every morning, His forgivenenss constant, His graciousness abounding and His justice loving - "For while we were still sinners, Christ died for us".
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