This year seems to be flying by with no intention of slowing
down. It seems not that long ago we were
all busy making our New Year’s resolutions and here we are, already into
October a mere breath away from the holidays.
Another fast approaching observance is Daylight Savings Time,
which this year falls on November 1st. Each year, twice a year, we are reminded by
the news media that Daylight Savings Time is a good time for everyone to change
the batteries in our smoke detectors. This weekend one of our smoke detectors
got a jumpstart on this. We heard the familiar loud chirp and my husband went
in search of the annoying culprit.
It is always wise to be prepared and have things ready
before the need arises. Jesus talked
about being prepared and ready, not for possible disaster but for His coming
kingdom. In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus told
a parable about ten virgins who took their oil lamps and went out to meet the
bridegroom. Five of the virgins were
wise, taking extra oil with them. However,
the other five virgins were foolish, neglecting to bring any extra oil. While the bridegroom delayed, the ten virgins
fell asleep.
When the call came at midnight that the bridegroom was
coming, the ten virgins quickly awoke and got ready. The five wise virgins filled their nearly
empty lamps with the extra oil they brought but since the five foolish virgins
had no extra oil, they left to go buy some. But the bridegroom came while they were away
and those who were ready went with him. It
was too late for the foolish ones who were not prepared to meet their
bridegroom.
This is a wake up call and solemn warning for all of us. We need to examine our hearts and see if we
are prepared and ready to meet the Lord. For even though it may seem as if He is
delayed in His coming, don’t be fooled, He is coming quickly.
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which
the Son of Man is coming.”
Matthew 25:13
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:20
Dina Pugh
