Be Ready For His Return (2)

Verse of the Day: Matthew 25:1 NKJV

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.”

The parable of the ten virgins is another parable Jesus spoke to instruct us about how to get ready for the bridegroom. The virgins were all supposed to be ready for the coming of the bridegroom. They all had lamps which need to be ignited upon the arrival of the groom. Light is needed for the arrival of the groom.

The issue of delay comes up in this parable as well. Yesterday we read about the Master’ delay in returning to his house. Here, we read about the bridegroom’s delay as well. We should expect a delay. Peter spoke about this delay that it is intentional so that many more can be saved.

Igniting the lamp requires having oil. Without oil, the lamp will be just like a light bulb without electricity or a torch without fire. It is not capable of producing light. The five virgins were called foolish because they neglected the main reason for having the lamps. They were not ready for the groom. Jesus has announced that there will be delay, so we must ensure we have enough oil to keep our lamps burning for His return.

Oil in our lamps represent the means appointed for you to be ready for His return. It is the life of the Spirit in the soul of the believer. Allowing the Spirit govern our hearts prepare us for the coming of our Lord Jesus. The Spirit makes us vigilant as we wait for His coming.

Are you ready for His return? Is the Spirit governing your heart and making you vigilant in your wait?

Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on the following verses:

Matthew 25:1-13; 2 Peter 3:3-4

Prayer

Father, help us to be wise and prepared for the return of our Lord Jesus