Ready

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were sensible. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them. 4 But the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5 Since the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.6 “In the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him.’7 “Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 But the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’9 “The sensible ones answered, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell, and buy oil for yourselves.’10 “When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived. Then those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut.11 “Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, ‘Master, master, open up for us!’12 “But he replied, ‘ I assure you: I do not know you!’13 “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.

Matt 25:1-13 (HCSB)

Are you ready for Christ's return?  Many Christ followers are anticipating Christ's return.  I was visiting one of the members of our congregation in the hospital the other day.  His room mate made it a point to tell me he too was a believer and that he thought Jesus was coming back any time.  Many Christ followers are taking the "I'm just waiting for Jesus!" approach.

While we are to be watching we are also to be ready.  This parable tells of 10 Virgins (young ladies) who were waiting for the grooms return.  Here's what we need to understand.  They were waiting but they had a purpose, a job, for when the groom returns.  The virgins were friends of the bride.  They were to watch for the groom and light the path for him and his party as he returns to begin the feast.  5 of these virgins were ready to light the path and 5 were not adequately prepared to light the path.

I firmly believe Jesus is returning.  The Bible is clear.  Every Christ follower should be waiting.  But while we wait we have a job to do.  We are to be telling others about the groom, Jesus.  Are you doing your job?  Are you ready?