March 14

Matthew 25:1-13 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

Matthew 25:7-10
Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.

Observation

This parable is a continuation from Jesus' talk in Matthew 24:36-51 of His return. However, He makes it clear of what "that day" and "that hour" will look like through a narrative story of the ten virgins. The story of the ten virgins is a reminder for us to be ready and prepared for Christ's return. It is a reminder that we need to be wise and prepare ourselves so that when the bridegroom returns, we are ready to receive Him. Piggybacking on yesterday's journal by Elder Tallis Chang, I too thought of the song "I Wish We'd All Been Ready" while reflecting through this passage. This haunting tune from the 70s is a reminder to us all that the day is coming when one of us will be left behind… so we all better be ready for His return... Lyrics such as "and there's no time to change your mind, the sun has come and you've been left behind…" gives an unsettling after taste of Christ's return. Naturally, we tend to allow fear to take place in waiting for Christ's return rather than celebration. However, verse 10 reminds us that this is a marriage feast! It is when we celebrate with Jesus face to face. And like all celebrations, there is a need for preparedness. It is foolish for a bride or groom to not prepare for their wedding day. Jesus wants us to be ready. He will not tell us when He will return, but we are to live as if He is to return any day now. We are to await for our bridegroom.

Application

Growing up, thinking about Christ's return frightened me. It made me anxious and nervous. Maybe it had to do with all the end time movies and apocalyptic stories I'd hear about the rapture. Or maybe I felt like I haven't completed my "checklist" for Jesus? Whichever the case, the thought of Jesus' return was not something I've anticipated with excitement. However, in reading today's passage, Jesus wants us to be ready for this feast. If the parable is referring us as His bride, then how much more excited we should be for this incredible union! To see Christ face to face and to live with and enjoy Him forever, what more could we ask for? I am reminded of a song called "Another Time, Another Place" by Sandi Patti with lyrics such as "my soul keeps yearning', sometimes I can't hardly wait, for that sweet, sweet someday, when I'll be swept away, to another time and another place." And this is our hope, our bridegroom who is Jesus, to be able to see Him face to face one day!

Prayer

Jesus, may I yearn for Your return. May I be ready for Your return. May I be wise for the awesome marriage feast in which You have in-stored for me!

--calebskim