READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!!!

Matthew 25:10-13

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁰ “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. ¹¹ Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’

¹² “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’

¹³ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

Jesus told the story of the ten bridesmaids, five were foolish and five were wise, waiting for the bridegroom to come for the wedding.  In the Jewish marriage custom, the groom and his friends leave his home and go to the home of the bride where the marriage ceremony takes place, usually at night.  After this, the whole wedding party returns to the groom's home for the wedding celebration banquet.  The lamps they used for walking outside are large dome-shaped torches, fueled by rags in oil.  These torches need to be refilled regularly.  It was an individual responsibility to be prepared to go with the bridegroom to the wedding banquet. 

In the story, while waiting for the bridegroom to arrive, the five foolish ones ran out of oil.  They begged the other five wise bridesmaids to share some of their oil with them.  But they did not want to share or they themselves would run out.  So the foolish ones got out to buy oil and while they were gone, the bridegroom arrived.  The door was then locked.  When they came back, it was late.  They were not allowed to join and celebrate this momentous event!

One day, the world will witness the greatest world event!  The coming of Jesus Christ.  Nobody knows exactly what day or hour He will return.  Jesus Himself said this.  So don't believe anyone who gives exact date of the coming of Christ.  But one thing is for sure, He will come!  Whether we are ready or not!  Jesus commanded us to keep watch, to be alert.  He gave the signs of His imminent return in His Word.  We need to daily watch and fill our lamps regularly with oil so even when he tarries or he comes sooner than we expected, we are ready.

How do we get ready and keep watch?  Just like the lamps need the oil to keep their flame, we need the oil of the Holy Spirit to fill our lives and keep us focused on what lies ahead.  Consistent communication with God in our quiet time, being sensitive to His promptings, meditating on and applying the Word of God in our daily walk, total surrender to His will, committed friendship with God.  But sometimes, people get distracted by the stuff this world offers: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, the pride of life.  Possessions and positions use up our energy.  We feel at home in this world already.  We tend to forget that this is not our final destiny.  For those who believe and made Jesus their personal Lord and Savior, this is not our home.  We are just passing through here.  Our hearts should be laser focused on matters that have eternal impact and value.  A lot of people are mocking the truth of the coming of Christ.  It reminds me of the time when Noah was building the ark.  People made fun of him and thought he was crazy. But the flood  came, whether they were ready or not!  In this post modern world, the same attitude is apparently happening especially when false prophets predict dates of the coming of Christ, with all the media hype and then the prediction does not happen.  But for us who believe and experience the reality and the truth of  a personal relationship with Jesus, we wait with joy, with the oil ready to fill our lamps, so when the bridegroom arrives, we will celebrate and enjoy the banquet!