Stay Awake Be Prepared

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13

It is still a custom in many traditions where the bridegroom comes at night to claim his bride along with his friends. Jesus used this tradition as a parable to picturize His return. Jesus depicted the Kingdom of Heaven to the story of 10 bridesmaids who were expectantly waiting for the arrival of the Bridegroom. 5 of them came prepared with extra oil and the others came with nothing extra. When the Bridegroom arrived after considerable delay the 5 who had no extra oil asked for some for their lamps. The other 5 who were prepared replied they did not have enough for all of them. So when they returned after getting their lamps lit the Bridegroom refused them entry stating that He did not know them.

Jesus denied them entry into the celebration because he did not know them. Do you know Jesus? Do you have a personal relationship with Him? How deep is this relationship? It is proven fact that relationships grow stronger particularly if they are built during times of stress and hardships. Our relationship cannot be acquired, inherited, bought or borrowed at the last minute.

What is this Kingdom of Heaven that Christ spoke off? He was talking about heaven, earth and even the hearts of all believers. We have to come to Jesus in repentence and humbly restore our hearts that often stray away from Him. Here the 10 bridesmaids were all anticipating the coming of the Bridegroom but only 5 were prepared. Jesus was showing us that there is a difference between knowing about His return and being prepared for his return. Jesus is cautioning us to be on the alert, stay prepared, and be awake.

Signs of the Times

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. Matthew 24:4

Today there are many who claim to know and understand the signs of the times. They claim that the world will end shortly. However this question had been in the minds of even the disciples who when they asked Christ, " What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" His advice to them was not to let any one mislead them. Not to be carried away by wars, persecution and even by many who will do great miraculous signs. All Christ desires of us is to live our lives in a manner that will bring glory to God. It is very easy to spend our time in fear or inactivity of the time when the world will come to an end.

The coming of Christ will be like a thief at night. Christ said that ,"the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matt 24:44 So how can we prepare for the Second coming.? Christ cautions us not to break our heads over these things but to spend our time in looking for ways to spread the gospel or to help our neighbor. Look for ways to deepen our relationship with Christ and our Fellowmen. Paul urges us not to sink into a state of inactivity but to be watchful, pray and exercise discipline in everything.

If we knew that Christ was coming tomorrow what will we do today? We need to be a light to the encompassing darkness around us (Matthew 5:14). Christ urged us to live our lives in a manner that men may see His light shinning through our lives, through our actions and our words. In this day of reality TV are our lives a living reality of Christ's love? We need to listen, understand, and act on what the Spirit of Christ is telling us to do today.