Matthew 25:6

New International Version (NIV)

“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

For Meditation

The Parable of the Ten Virgins reminds me of the inscription on the commercial vehicle my late cousin drove when I was growing up: Are You Ready? It was so catchy it became his nickname. In those days, his was the only commercial vehicle that plied between our town and Koforidua, the capital city of the Eastern Region of Ghana. If anybody missed the early morning departure, they had to wait another day to travel. His question to the town folks was: “Are you ready to leave town with me when my departure time comes?”

The statement implied he wouldn’t wait for anybody at departure time. The time to secure a seat for the trip ended when he took the driver’s seat and blew his horn. He left behind everyone ready at home but not on board when he closed the passenger door. Similarly, the Gospel flight has the same inscription: Are you ready for Jesus?

Humans have never been ready for God since Eden. Whenever God has called people to Himself, they have behaved like Ghanaians — they never prepare for any ceremony. Adam and Eve missed their appointment with God because of sin (Gen. 3:8-13). The people in Noah’s time missed the salvation window and died in the floods for the same reason (7:6-16). Israel did not know when their much-anticipated Messiah came and the manner of His arrival. Bethlehem, therefore, slept when the virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus in their backyard.

The child Jesus would grow and live a sinless life, walk into His ministry at age thirty, die on the cross, and be buried. Yet, they missed it all. Nobody was ready for His resurrection on the third day, though He prophesied it. That, too, they missed. The church’s birth surprised Jerusalem, and it is not surprising that many will miss Jesus’ soon return. What is wrong with us?

In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt. 25:1-13), only five virgins prepared to meet the bridegroom for the wedding banquet. The unwise, however, missed it because their lamps needed more oil to fuel them when the bridegroom arrived.

In the rapture, as Paul tells us, only the redeemed in Christ, dead and alive, will catch the flight to be with the Lord in glory (1 Thess. 4:16-17). The separation will surprise everybody and will leave many behind.

The question for all of us who are looking forward to a joyful celebration of the Savior’s birth in a few days is the same question my cousin asked my town folk during his time:

Are You Ready?

Are you ready for Christ’s return? Have you taken stock of your life to know with certainty that you are one of His redeemed (2 Cor. 13:5-6; Col. 1:13-14) and are living prepared to meet Christ, our Bridegroom, for the wedding banquet in heaven (Matt. 25:10)?

I pray you are and will not miss it for anything.

Pray with Me

Jesus, I do not want to miss your coming to your church, as Bethlehem missed your birth. Help me be alert and ready when you come to your church. Amen!