Planning a trip usually means listing all the things we need to do and take so we won’t be caught unaware. The Bible urges us to be ready for our after-life trip. Like the five unprepared virgins, we don’t want to be caught unprepared. The Lord would have us be on watch daily, for we don’t know the hour He will return. Are you ready?
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
Readiness is crucial
I enjoy watching the birds and animals interact outside my window. The babies especially intrigue me. Whether bird or beast, the parents coax their little ones to the banquet of birdseed, acorns, nuts, or other goodies. The moms and dads seem to say, "Come and get it, ready or not, before it's too late!"
They come running or flying. Sometimes there's a straggler in the bunch who doesn't make it to the banquet table in time. There's no room for him, no food left to eat. He must turn away and go hungry.
At a funeral I attended, the pastor spoke about our need to be ready for the moment we enter eternity. His message reminded me of a parable told by Jesus about ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to wait for the bridegroom. Five did not take extra oil with them; the other five did. They all fell asleep since the bridegroom tarried. At midnight he appeared, so the five wise virgins lit their lamps. The foolish virgins begged for oil, but it was too late and they missed out on the groom's banquet. The bridegroom came whether the virgins were ready or not. Jesus said: "Therefore keep watch because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:13)
God urges us to be ready for His appearance. We don't know how long we'll live. The man whose funeral I attended had been warned of impending death and, thankful for the doctor’s warning, he prepared his soul in time for eternity. Not all of us will take that opportunity. We must prepare as if today will be our last day. After all, why would we want to miss out on the banquet for our King, Jesus Christ?
God's Word tells us that if we want to live with Him in eternity, we must want to live with Him here on earth. If we're willing to turn our lives over to Him—body, soul, and spirit—we won't have to worry about being a straggler or foolish virgin. We can boldly stand before Him and, instead of cringing at the thought of not being ready, we can say, "Come, Lord Jesus."
Lord, every moment we live is because of Your grace, Your goodness. Give us the desire to embrace You as Savior and Lord. Help us remember, through Your Word, that our life today and in eternity will be filled with Your indescribable peace and joy. Cause us, Lord, before it’s too late, to seek a place at Your banquet table. In Jesus' Name, amen.
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