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.