ARE YOU READY FOR CHRIST’S RETURN?
It appears that the parable of the ten virgins was given by Jesus to his disciples in a private setting, as a further illustration of what the Day of his return would be like. As such, this parable seems particularly aimed at the state of the church at Christ’s return. The ten virgins had many things in common. They were all invited to the wedding. They obviously kept company together. They all had lamps. Yet, only five of them had enough oil for their lamps to be burning at the Bridegroom’s return. And only those five were welcomed into the marriage feast, while the five without oil were not.
When the five foolish virgins tried to enter the marriage feast, they found the door locked, so they cried out, “‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!” But the Bridegroom answered, “I don’t know you.”
This is similar to Christ’s saying from the Sermon on the Mount. On that occasion Jesus spoke clearly about the importance of having a personal relationship with Him, saying “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord.’ And I will declare to them, ‘Depart from Me, I never knew you'” (Matt. 7:21-23).
How does this parable teach us to get ready for Christ’s return? It warns us not to postpone getting right with God until some later time. For the day or hour of Christ’s return “knoweth no man (Matt. 24:36). Therefore we must get ready now. For “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).
So, purchase oil for your lamps now. And keep watch. For Jesus said He is “coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt. 24:44).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we have received Your Son as our Lord and Savior. We know Him and He knows us. We have oil for our lamps, but strengthen us to keep watch. For we want to be found doing what the Lord has called us to do at His return. In Jesus’ name, amen.