No one could have anticipated some of the things we see going on around us. They are pretty incredible to say the least, but there’s one thing that we know for sure as Christians; we know who holds tomorrow. No matter how outrageous the world and its major players seem to get, God is in control, and we know this to be true. Knowing that He sees all and knows all should bring us tremendous comfort, but we can’t afford to fall asleep on the job during the urgency of these times. The craziness that we’re witnessing is a sign for us. In Matthew 25, Jesus Christ warns us to keep watch and be ready, because he, the bridegroom, could come at any moment.
In Matthew 25:1-4 (NLT), Jesus Christ teaches us the importance of preparation through the parable of ten bridesmaids. It says, “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.” Five of these ten bridesmaids were dubbed foolish because they were not only negligent in their efforts to prepare, and but they were ridiculously foolish in not appreciating the awesomeness of what they were preparing for.
Not long ago, I heard the story of a middle-aged woman who was getting married to a man she didn’t deeply love. He was crazy about her, but she didn’t feel the same way and was dishonest about it. She felt that at her age, the opportunity to wed might not swing her way again, so she felt compelled to say yes. This act of desperation and selfishness set the tone for all the details of her wedding. Her bridal party was nonchalant; there were many family members and friends that were upset for one reason or another, and the bride procrastinated with most of the decision making and details. The atmosphere at this wedding was not rich with love and newness, but was weighted down with her dishonesty and lack of enthusiasm. Not only was she robbing herself, but she was cheating her new husband out of the deep, unconditional love that he deserved.
To love someone is to value them deeply. This is what makes a wedding hugely ceremonious. Two people so highly appreciating all that each person represents, that they desire greatly to be unified as one. This is how Jesus Christ feels about us.
When it boils right down to it, believers can look forward to two realities. Both are win-win situations, and both transcend life as we know it. Either we will give up the ghost one day and pass from this life to the other, or we will meet our blessed Lord and Savior in the air when he comes back for us. Either way, we’re going to be with the Lord, and that’s an indescribably joyful reality.
I don’t know about you, but there’s only one question that comes to mind when I think of our incredible reality with Christ; why was this whole earth experience necessary? Why couldn’t we just be with the Lord from the giddy up?
Life on earth can be so messy, and at times very painful. We think we’re on the right track, taking two steps forward, and something knocks us back to square one. Surely God doesn’t want us to experience pain, but many of us have it in abundance. The Apostle Paul knew a little something about this pain, and he sheds light on the grace that God extends to transcend it. He said in Philippians 1:20-26 (NLT), “20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. 26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.”
Brother Paul has schooled us flawlessly here. Living means living for Christ! Jesus told us in John 14:6 that he is the way, the truth, and the life; and we also read in Colossians 3:3 that our lives are hidden in Christ. It is in him that we find our grooves. We live to do fruitful work for HIM! Being fully engaged and immersed in this fruitful work is how we prepare for his coming. If we do not commit to his work with a humbled heart, diligent attitude, and light spirit; what does it say about us? It says that we are unwise bridesmaids.
To be wise is to prepare; it is to have all bases are covered. As wise bridesmaids, you understand that while the wedding is going to be a blast, a rainy day is always possible. In the eventuality that it rains on that great day, we have to be prepared. This means that the energy, love, focus, and diligence that we put into our work for the Lord is not halted or diminished by conditions or circumstances, because we’ve groomed ourselves to be prepared and to keep pressing come what may. We must remember at all times that it is our responsibility. As his bride, we must send a message to the Kingdom that we are thankful for what our bridegroom, Jesus Christ, has done for us, and we’re doing everything possible to prepare to receive him when he comes. ■.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Preparing for A Rainy Day” written by Reverend Fran Mack, edited by Kim Times for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2017. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.