Looking Back Over Jesus’ Life

My faith has been formed by the words of Jesus. In Matthew chapter 25, Jesus gives us three stories which help us to focus on life in the Kingdom of God.

The first is found in Matthew 25:1-13

Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

This parable uses the terms “wise” and “foolish” to describe the actions of various characters. I imagine that we are to side with the wise ones. And what are the admirable actions of the wise ones? They take not only lamps, but also oil for their lamps when they go out to meet the bridegroom. Just like the Boy Scouts, the wise ones know to “Be Prepared.”

As we live our lives in anticipation of meeting the Bridegroom in the fullness of the kingdom, we should continue preparing ourselves for that face to face encounter. Immersing ourselves in the Word, regular prayerful conversation with our Lord, and following His lead with our deeds may be good preparation.

Prayer

 God, help me to live each day in such a way that I will be happy to see Your face to face. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.