Matthew 25:1-13 – “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
THEME OF THE DAY: WATCHING AND WISE OR ASLEEP AND FOOLISH. Today’s scripture is known as “The Parable of the Ten Virgins.” The lesson Jesus teaches is be ready for His sudden return. A contrast is made between foolish people who don’t live with prepared hearts and lives looking for the Lord’s coming and wise people who keep their eyes on the sky, their hearts rooted in eternity, and live as if that day could be today. The latter example is what Christians are called to be; a ready people for a coming Savior. Second-coming thinking and living dominates the New Testament. Does it dominate our thinking and living? Are we conscious each day this could be the day? The following story offers a wonderful illustration on how a Christian should live in light of our Lord’s unannounced and soon second coming.
A traveler chanced upon a beautiful villa on the shores of a beautiful lake in the mountains of Switzerland. It was far from the beaten path of tourists. The traveler knocked at the garden gate and an aged man who was the caretaker greeted him. He was warm and friendly showing the man around the spacious grounds. Everything was immaculate including the gorgeous gardens. The traveler asked, “How long have you been here?” He replied, “Twenty-four years.” “And how often has the owner and your master been here during those years?” “Four times” was the reply. “When was his last visit?” “Twelve years ago.” “Does he write often?” “Never once.” “How do you receive your pay?” “My master’s agent in the city.” “Does he come often?” “He has never been here.” The traveler continued, “Who does come then?” The caretaker said, “I am almost always alone. It is very seldom and quite rare that even a stranger such as you comes.” The traveler, now very puzzled, stated, “Yet, you have the villa, the grounds, the gardens, everything is in perfect, flourishing order as if you were expecting your master to come tomorrow.” The caretaker immediately corrected him, “No, sir. As if he were coming today.”
What if Jesus came today? Are we ready? Are the priorities, actions, and desires in our lives reflecting a spiritual readiness to meet Him today, face-to-face? Let’s be like the caretaker of the Swiss villa; keeping everything in our lives “spiritually fit” for we know not when our Master will come and call us to give account for the stewardship of our lives.
PRAYER: “Lord, help me to look daily for Your coming and thus live watching and prepared for that Day of all Days”
QUOTE: “Don’t let Christ’s delay in coming or the routine of life lull us into spiritual sleep unprepared for His return.”