Growing up in Oklahoma that lies in the corridor of damaging tornadoes, we knew to be ready in case the power went out.  We had a special place for working flashlights with good batteries.  We also had lamps filled with oil that could give us light when the power failed us.  If you are prepared, then it’s not a problem.  If you are not prepared, you will be amazed with how really dark the world is when there is no light at all.  Feeling your way around, groping for the familiar and not finding it, creates anxious moments filled with fear.

Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
Give me oil in my lamp, I pray
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
Keep me burning ’til the break of Day

This chorus of my youth popped into my mind as I read Jesus’ story to His followers. In fact, Jesus tells us a series of stories so we can get a better understanding of Kingdom of God thinking and living.  Jesus, the Master Teacher, uses specific stories in which His audience can relate to further explain what will happen when He comes back to earth a second time after dying for our sins and rising again to defeat death forever. 

This information must have been a lot to handle for the followers of Jesus because He has yet to go through the suffering, terrorizing, mocking, and crucifixion—being nailed in our place of punishment to save us from all our sins!  This “coming back” is promised after He rises from the grave in resurrection power.  Rising again in power gives us Hope and assurance for this second coming of Christ that is forever! 

Matthew 25, The Message

The Story of the Virgins

^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 bridegroom’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.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Consider Jesus’ audience…

The perspective groom of a Jewish family would make his love known to a prospective bride.  During the “engagement” He would then build a home for them, most likely an addition to his father’s home. A wedding ceremony in that day had two parts. First, the bridegroom and his friends would go from his house to claim the bride from her parents. Then the bride and groom would return to the groom’s house for the marriage feast. Ah, now we understand the implications of Jesus’ story, right?

God’s Holy Spirit reminds me that there’s even more to think about as I prepare!  Jesus is preparing a forever home for me and for you—all who believe!  As written later in John, Jesus relates,

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”  John 14:1-4, NIV

The Groom is preparing a room for His Bride—all who believe in Him and are prepared to move into His Kingdom!

So, the question I must grapple with is, “Am I prepared?” 

Will Jesus, upon His coming back for His own as His final mission, find me waiting, watchful, obedient, serving, loving, learning, yearning to be where He is? 

Most of all, will I be prepared, packed, and ready to go at a moment’s notice when the Groom appears?

It depends…Do I really believe what God says really real?  This is the beginning of readiness. To all believe in Jesus, is knowing to wait with expectation for the return of the “Groom” who is coming for His Bride to take us to our forever home that He is preparing for us.

Our behaviors now will reflect what we really believe in our hearts, minds and souls.  God knows.  Nothing is hidden from God.  May we prepare our hearts by asking for the cleansing that only Jesus can provide.  Don’t wander in the dark when the Light is readily available.

Lord,

Thank you for your stories that clarify what you intend for us to be and do. Prepare my heart for your coming. Cleanse my heart, renew my mind, refresh and feed my soul, remove all that offends you, and restore the joy and peace of your salvation work in me daily.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  As for me, I’m staying alert!  I believe!

In Jesus Name, by Your Power, for Your Glory, Amen!

Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna to the King of kings
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna, to the King