Monday 15 September, 2014

25 “Here is what the kingdom of heaven will be like at that time. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish. Five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but didn’t take any olive oil with them. 4 The wise ones took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The groom did not come for a long time. So the bridesmaids all grew tired and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight someone cried out, ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him!’ 7 “Then all the bridesmaids woke up and got their lamps ready. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil. Our lamps are going out.’ 9 “‘No,’ they replied. ‘There may not be enough for all of us. Instead, go to those who sell oil. Buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “So they went to buy the oil. But while they were on their way, the groom arrived. The bridesmaids who were ready went in with him to the wedding dinner. Then the door was shut. 11 “Later, the other bridesmaids also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘What I’m about to tell you is true. I don’t know you.’ 13 “So keep watch. You do not know the day or the hour that the groom will come.

What’s the difference between the wise and the foolish maidens? The wise maidens were prepared for the wedding. Contextually, first century weddings were very different from our own, but there was still a need for the groom to inform the bride of when the event was taking place. The foolish maidens had the chance to be prepared but they failed to do so.

We too are waiting… Waiting for Jesus to return. Am I like the wise or foolish maids? Am I prepared for Jesus to return? Am I going about what I am called to do so that when He returns I can fully participate in the banquet, as one who has anticipated and prepared for the celebration?

He has called me to share His good news and make disciples, so that they too can await Jesus’ return with a sense of excitement and participate in the celebration.

Do I ever turn up to a wedding unprepared? How much more important to make the necessary preparations, to make the effort, so that I’m prepared for Jesus’ return.

As beautiful and carefully organised as the wedding receptions I’ve been to are, how much more stunning and amazing will the celebration of Jesus be, when He claims His bride, the church, and takes us to be with Him for all eternity.

God, please help me grasp this truth in my heart and live out of this reality. Amen.

 

Written by Beth Waugh