1 Thessalonians 1 [The Message]

Christians have lived in hopeful anticipation of Christ’s Second Coming for many years now. Let’s face it … if Paul talked about it when he wrote, how much more is it true today.

They were “awaiting” Christ’s arrival. Think about it … there’s a difference between “waiting” and “awaiting.” When a child knows he is going to get a spanking when Dad gets home from work (I remember those days), he is waiting (and sweating). When a child is looking forward to opening Christmas gifts, he is AWAITING.

A Biblical word for awaiting is “Maranatha.” I[1 Cor. 16:22] It means, “O Lord, come!” It was a watchword among the Christians of the Early Church. This could be a good word for us to begin using.