Within the last few years, anyone who has read the Bible concerning the last days can see the last days are not coming, they are here. Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, and other signs of the end (Matthew 24:6-8) currently occur. This leaves the serious need to think if each person is ready for Jesus to come back and gather God’s people at any moment (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:52). One parable that Jesus used to discuss this topic is the parable of the 10 Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). Jesus discusses these 10 virgins who have not been touched or perverted by the world or any person. Although all are virgins there are five wise and five foolish (Matthew 25:2). All of the virgins took their lamps meaning they had the light within their life (Matthew 25:3-4) but the wise took oil in their vessel (Matthew 25:4) while the foolish did not (Matthew 25:3). This vessel is a jar or pail used to carry extra oil for the lamp. Even though many Christians may have their lamp burning for now how many are ready to endure to the end looking for the return of Jesus at any moment? These foolish virgins were living for the moment and were not ready to stay burning throughout the time of darkness until they went in to be with the bridegroom aka Jesus Christ. Modern society and culture push the ideology to live for the now and live for yourself but this sets up those who are like the five foolish virgins for failure. When a cry or warning was made in the middle of the night (Matthew 25:6) all of the virgins arise and trim their lamps to get ready (Matthew 25:7). The five foolish realize they are running out of oil and will not make it (Matthew 25:8) so they ask to use some of the oil the five wise virgins have. The five wise have to decline the offer to make sure they are ready to go with the bridegroom when He comes (Matthew 25:9). This process cannot take place even for people today because every person must choose if they are ready for the return of Jesus Christ to gather God’s people (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 1:10; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10). When the five foolish virgins go to get more oil, the missing element of what they needed due to their lack of commitment to endure, the bridegroom comes and takes those who are ready into the marriage celebration (Matthew 25:10). The five foolish virgins return to see the five wise virgins are not present and the door is shut to the house where the bridegroom has taken the other virgins so they begin to ask to be let in but the bridegroom denies them entrance saying He does not know them (Matthew 25:11-12). God’s people must be ready for the return of Jesus Christ at any moment. Christians must live their lives according to the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), walk with God for themselves (Micah 6:8; Colossians 2:6), and make sure they are ready to endure until the end (Matthew 24:13). It does no Christian any good to have a good start and quit before the end. All Christians must run their race and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7) until either their time on earth is done or Jesus returns for God’s people. Do not water down the Christian walk because endurance will not take place (Revelation 3:16). Be ready! For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
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AuthorCaleb Andrews Archives
September 2024
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