Being Prepared
Prepared
Matthew 25
1Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9But 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.
10And 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.
11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
The parable of the ten virgins teaches us all a most valuable lesson concerning being prepared. The bridegroom spoken of is Christ himself. Verse two says there were five whom were wise, and five whom were foolish. The foolish took lamps with no oil in them, while the wise were well prepared with by taking oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Though they did not know when the bridegroom would come, the wise made very sure they had plenty of oil. This is why it is very important as true believer we should always be prepared for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.
Upon the arrival of the bridegroom, those that were unwise cried out for those who were prepared to help them, while it was already too late. We cannot and should not depend on others for our salvation. We should always keep ourselves ready, for the word of God says; “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” (Matthew 24:42). While the foolish went to buy oil, the bridegroom had come and gone. By then it was too late. As they asked to be let in, He said he knew them not.
How do we make and keep ourselves ready…By studying, knowing and living the word of God. Daily we should put on the whole armor of God: “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Ephesians 6:14-18).
A prayer for today, “Lord let us always be a prepared people, that we may live our lives according to the word of God. That we shall be likened unto the wise virgins, that our lamps are always full; and that our Lord shall know our names, in Jesus name I pray; Amen!
Set Apart 