Matthew – Fulfilled.

If I learned anything from mom at all it was to always be prepared for every emergency or unpredictable situation. Mom was an extreme organizer. Everything had a place and a reason to be there. When we would go on a trip, she spent hours and hours getting ready. She meticulously packed our suitcases driven by the big question always on her mind, “what if…”. To say that she over packed was an understatement. But she was always prepared to solve any problem that might arise.

I still, to this day, over pack because of how I was taught, but like the boy scout motto, I’m always prepared. If someone needs a band-aid, I have a whole first aid kit. (It’s in the car as we go get groceries.) If you need medication for a headache, I’ve got it. Need more clothing? No problem, I bring enough to clothe a whole family, complete with jackets. WHAT IF it gets cold? You ought to see how we pack to go camping for a weekend. We could survive a month on the food I bring because…what if…we had to?

I think of this, smiling, as I read Jesus’ first of a series of readiness and preparedness stories that teach us to BE READY for His return.

Matthew 25, The Message
The Story of the Virgins
25 1-5 “God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.

6 “In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bride-groom’s here! Go out and greet him!’

7-8 “The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’

9 “They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’

10 “They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.

11 “Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.’

12 “He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’

13 “So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.

ARE WE READY? WHAT IF QUESTIONS TO ASK OURSELVES…
–Seriously, are we ready, from the inside out, if He came right now?
–What do we need to do to get ready?
–Where in life will He find me?
–What will I be doing?
–Will He be pleased with the work I’m doing?
–Am I doing what He asked me to do?
–Am I snoozing through life while others get ready and light their lamps to show the way?
–Will I be inside before the door closes?
–Am I relying on others to bail me out?
–Am I prepared for the return of the Bridegroom?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for what Your Word teaches us about You and Your Kingdom. We repent of snoozing when we should be preparing and getting ready for You. Help us to always be alert, prepared and live expectantly for your return. I’m ready, Lord. I love you with everything within me.
In Jesus Name, Amen