4/6/2020 – The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Passage: Matthew 25:1-13

Written By: Jill Wells – Advisory Council Member

I must admit that this parable has always frightened me a bit. I hate to be late and I certainly do not want to be left behind or miss out on an event, especially one as monumental as the return of our bridegroom, Jesus Christ. When I was in junior high, I was in a play sponsored by our church. During one of the performances, I missed an entrance, meaning I did not go on stage when I was supposed to. Interestingly, the play was Fiddler on the Roof and the scene was the wedding of Tevye's daughter Tzeitel and the tailor Motel Kamzoil. I experienced a moment of panic, then slipped to the other side of the stage and unobtrusively entered the joyous wedding ceremony.

While my tardiness was likely not noticed by the audience, the wedding party of Jesus Christ is definitely not one for which I want to arrive too late. How can we be certain our lamps are full and ready for the return of Jesus? We must stay grounded in God's Word, communicate with Him in prayer, be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and stay involved in a fellowship of Christian believers. These disciplines will help us be prepared at all times for that glorious day when Christ returns to claim His own, so that we can be with Him forever and dine at His wedding banquet.

Today, I’d ask you to pray with me as we wait for Jesus to return and claim us! Lord, thank you for the assurance that your Son Jesus will return someday to claim those who believe in Him. Help us to be wise and prepare ourselves for His glorious arrival by remaining steadfast and true to your Word. Amen.