We Have to Make Our Own Preparations

Note from today’s Bible reading: Matthew 25

Jesus told a parable of ten virgins who were awaiting the bridegroom to enter into the wedding feast (Matthew 25:1-13). Even though all of them were aware that the bridegroom was coming and were wanting to see him and be welcomed into the feast, not all of them would be able to enter.

Jesus identified five of these virgins as wise and five as foolish. The only difference between the two groups was that the former brought oil for their lamps and the latter ones did not.

When the bridegroom finally came, the foolish virgins did not have enough oil for their lamps which were going out. They asked the others for some of their oil, but there was not enough for all of them. They had to go out at the last minute and try to buy their own. While they were gone, the bridegroom came. Those who were ready were welcomed into the wedding feast, and those who were not were shut out. Even when the foolish virgins returned and asked for the door to be opened, they were left out.

Jesus’ point was that we are to “be on the alert” for the day when He returns to welcome His people into their eternal home in heaven. We cannot depend on others to prepare for us. We need to make sure we are ready ourselves.

So remember that we have to make our own preparations. It is not enough simply to know the Lord is returning and to want to see Him. We need to be ready for His return whenever that day might be.