The Time Is Nearing - Are You Ready?

By Barbara Keim

March 1, 2009

Matthew 25:1-13

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five of them were foolish. Them that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made. Behold the bridegroom cometh: go ye out to meet him.

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: But go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: And the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But He answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

This story, I believe, gives us the clear instructions about being ready for the return of Jesus. Anyone who is diligent enough to be aware of what is happening around the world today will know the time is very close for the return of Jesus. These Virgins all believed in Jesus and were waiting for His return. Some of them were too lazy to do what they needed to do to be prepared to meet Jesus. The others spent time preparing and when the time came they were ready to go with Him, while those who weren't prepared were left behind. When they came back and knocked on the door the reply was, "I don't know you".

Many believe Jesus is coming back for His bride, the church, but only some are willing to do what is necessary to be ready for when He comes.

I believe being prepared to meet Jesus is having a relationship with Him now, so He won't have to say to us "I don't know you".

To have a relationship with Jesus, you have to spend time with Him in prayer, reading God's word, and listening to Him as He speaks to your heart. You have to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself.

Remember, God hates sin but He gave His only Son Jesus as a sacrifice for the sinner. Judge not, that you might not be judged and remember God will judge you with the same judgment with which you judge others. We have no right to judge anyone. We are all to work out our own salvation.

 

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