Matthew 25: 1-13
“At that time the kingdom will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five of them were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
“At midnight the cry rang out; ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, our lamps are going out.’
” ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and but some for yourselves.’
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
“Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!”
“But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
A Thought
Jesus is facing his last three days here on earth filled with his betrayal, beatings, and his bloody death on the cross. His last words to his disciples is to prepare them for what is about to take place. Jesus, knowing that they must also face tribulation, gives them instructions and warnings to build their faith to live their lives worthy of the kingdom of heaven. In this parable Jesus tries to tell them that he will return for them, but they do not know the day or the hour. They must be prepared at all times to be on watch while serving in the manner Jesus had taught them. We today are still looking for the return of Jesus to take us to the kingdom of heaven to live eternally with him. We must have faith to accept Jesus Christ as payment for our sins by his perfect life, death and resurrection. Then we must continue in faith to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit to become more like Jesus. We must serve God and others as we watch expectingly for the return of Christ at any time.
Our Prayer
Father open our hearts to accept your forgiveness through the gift of your son, Jesus. Open our eyes that we will see the needs of others. Awaken us by the power of your Holy Spirit to produce fruit for your kingdom as we watch for the return of Christ to take us to be with him. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
