SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25:1-5 NIV At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
THOUGHT: Being ready for his return is the theme of much of Jesus’ teaching during the week before his crucifixion. Ironic and probably confusing to most hearers. Why is he talking about “coming back,” when he’s right before us? He tells the disciples plainly that he will die, but that he will also return, yet they think he’s speaking in parables. He tells them one of them will betray him, yet they shake their heads in confusion, even as Judas leaves the room. So, he tells them this story.
Readiness, he says, isn’t all about how beautifully you clean up, or your morality, or your good intentions. It’s about the long-game of preparation. The long obedience in the same direction. The being ready, even when the bridegroom takes forever to arrive at the home of his bride (or the bride takes forever to ready herself). ‘Be wise,’ he teaches through his story. ‘Be full of maturity on the inside,’ not just dressed right and holding a lamp that may or may not last the night.
What gets you through the long night? What storehouses are you consistently filling up with God-provision, and God-opportunities, and God-stories, so you can draw against them as your faith is tested and the bridegroom tarries? On the day Jesus comes, you can’t just run out and get those provisions — there won’t be time, he warns. This is the work that must be done, day in and day out, to be ready for the great joy and celebration of the wedding feast to come.
SONG: Make Us Ready https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDS58upQdW4
PRAYER NEEDS: Hearts made ready, day-in and day-out, for the kingdom of God–which has come, and which is coming!
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