Read Matthew 25

Matthew 25:10-13 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

This is the summary of the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25:1-13. It tells the story of those who were prepared, and those that were not. Those who look farther than just the present, and prepared for the unexpected. Those five virgins that just worried about the day, thinking they were ready, thinking they knew the time, paid a painful price for their error. They left, and were left out of the wedding feast. How much truth does that speak into how we each live our daily lives? How much preparation are we doing for eternity? We must look at our daily lives and ask how each day reflects, or reflected, the possibility that it was out last, and therefore our first, as we entered into eternity…..somewhere.

I am no different from you. I have the same struggles, the same sins, the same tugs of this world to pursue this world. I am currently struggling with reviving a business, and trying to not let it command my thoughts. I am healing from a surgery that has drained me physically and mentally; finally returning to my early mornings with God. That is where I find my strength for the day to do battle with the ruler of the world. All you must do is to watch the news and see the world turning it’s back on God. Does the Bible not tell of God’s judgement on all that turn their backs on him? What if you find yourself ignoring all those worldly signs because you are wrapped up in your career? All you must do is listen to those who seek to sell you on the American Dream. Then you are not be preparing for eternity, thinking of the present even as broad as your mortal life, and miss the immortal reward to those who prepare. If you are out purchasing your next pleasure, and the King returns, will he give you the same reply for the heart that was ill-prepared?

Your world is giving you signs everywhere of the coming King. Matthew 25 gives three examples of people that are not preparing and not investing in kingdom principles and work. Matthew spends the last third of this chapter with stern warnings for those who focus on themselves. Each division in this chapter closes with a warning. 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. These are Jesus’ words; he is returning and you had better be prepared! We all will be asked what we did with the good news of Jesus Christ? How will we answer? What will be the evidence in our lives? Will it prove us humble disciples or hypocritical Christians? God knows our heart, knows why we do what we do every day no matter that facade. Are we gonna leave for oil; are we going to bury our treasure; are we going to be a sheep or a goat? These are questions you must ask yourself and let the Holy Spirit provide the answer as you read Matthew 25.