Matthew 25 - Be Ready

Many people will wake up this morning with the lives of their loved ones changed forever.  My heart and prayers go out to each and every one that was involved in the tragic situation last night.  Once again I am reminded we must be ready at all times for the Lord to take us.  We never know when we might be in a situation such as the one last night.  

Matthew 25

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish and five were wise. ³ The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. ⁴ The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. ⁵ The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

⁶ “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

⁷ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

⁹ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

¹⁰ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

¹¹ “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

¹² “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

¹³ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Matthew Henry writes about this passage....

The circumstances of the parable of the ten virgins were taken from the marriage customs among the Jews, and explain the great day of Christ's coming. See the nature of Christianity. As Christians we profess to attend upon Christ, to honour him, also to be waiting for his coming. Sincere Christians are the wise virgins, and hypocrites the foolish ones. Those are the truly wise or foolish that are so in the affairs of their souls. Many have a lamp of profession in their hands, but have not, in their hearts, sound knowledge and settled resolution, which are needed to carry them through the services and trials of the present state. Their hearts are not stored with holy dispositions, by the new-creating Spirit of God. Our light must shine before men in good works; but this is not likely to be long done, unless there is a fixed, active principle in the heart, of faith in Christ, and love to God and our brethren. The unexpected summons of death may alarm the Christian; but, proceeding without delay to trim his lamp, his graces often shine more bright; while the mere professor's conduct shows that his lamp is going out. Watch therefore, attend to the business of your souls. Be in the fear of the Lord all the day long.

Last night's situation was tragic but I am praying good comes from it.  I pray for all of us to realize the urgency of being ready to die.  We just never know when we will be in a similar situation.  As Matthew Henry wrote we need "...to attend to the business of your souls."  If we don't, we won't be able to live eternally with our Lord.  

Dear Jesus,

I pray for Your Spirit to come down upon everyone involved in such a mighty way.  I ask that You be so real and give Your Peace to all.  Father, I pray for the spiritual needs of the people of Willard.  I pray this situation will make them realize just how fragile life is.  Lord, bring all of us to our knees.  Thank You Jesus for being My Peace!  Amen.