When I read the parable of the Ten Bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1-13, I couldn’t help but get a sense of urgency.
Over the past few months, those last four words from the previous sentence have been on the forefront of my mind often. “A sense of urgency”.
Recently, my daughter made the comment to a friend, “My mom just wants everyone to know Jesus.” Yes! Yes, I do! Now!
In Matthew 4:36, Jesus says, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” I think this is a good thing. For example, I try to keep our home in a state of readiness at all times. If you stop by, there should be no worries on my end. There will most likely be dust on the furniture and our dog’s paw prints visible on the wood floors, but as far as “a state of readiness” for you to come visit…I’m prepared. I may even have some homemade cookies in the freezer for me to pull out for you. Come on.
When we have a date on the calendar for a gathering here at our home, there are preparations that are made prior. There’s landscaping that may need to be refreshed, replaced, or just maintained. The outside of the house may need washing. The outdoor furniture and entertaining area needs to be washed, wiped down, or vacuumed. Invitations are sent, supplies are ordered, a menu is set. These prior preparations may take place months out and/or the week of the event. Bonus…hosting an event is often a great excuse to get these chores done anyhow. When an event takes place, I prefer to work my tail off behind the scenes so that I can enjoy the event with the rest of the crowd. If something isn’t done when the party arrives, that’s on me, and possibly too late.
Friend, that is a lot like the parable in Matthew 25:1-13. Five out of ten bridesmaids were prepared to meet the bridegroom. They were wise in their preparations. The other five bridesmaids were foolish, and were not prepared for the arrival. When the groom came, the wise bridesmaids were enjoying the wedding feast, behind closed doors. The foolish ones went to gather what they needed, returned to see the groom, but were too late. Why? Because they were not prepared.
My sense of urgency is to:
- Be unashamed of the gospel
- Be bold for Christ
- Share His love with others whether it is through face-to-face conversation, social media postings, being an example by the way I live, or writing more books.
- Live for Him and be the light.
So that, I can be called wise and prepared for Jesus’ coming, and help others along the way.
Listen, we have this thing called freewill. I can’t make anyone accept Christ as their Savior and have a personal relationship with Him, but I will surely strive to live in a way that will make you thirsty for Him.
Taste and see for yourself that the Lord is good.
Don’t be late to the party.
We don’t know when, so be prepared.
I pray that you will live a life fully devoted to Christ. He desires for all to repent and turn to Him. So…say so long to self and hello to a new life in Christ.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
Thanks to many family and friends, I was prepared for this wedding day back in October of 1991.
