Choose Wisely

 

 

When the gospels give a parable, sometimes it is helpful to look beyond the individual(s) involved and step back to see what we can learn from the situation.

Like in today’s parable about the ten virgins in the 25^th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew.

A parable is basically a story with a message.  In today’s parable we get a very important warning that we do not want to miss.

Here it is:

Be prepared.  The kingdom of heaven is open for us now, but some day it will not be.

Yikes!  That’s a dose of good news/bad news!

The reality is—and this should be of no surprise to any of us—someday our earthly life will end.  Maybe you believe in the kingdom of God, maybe you don’t.  Regardless what you believe, the facts don’t change.  It exists.

The situation the virgins find themselves in is a perfect example of how our choices on earth can affect our opportunity to enjoy eternal life, in heaven, with God.

Through this parable, here’s what scripture tells us the kingdom of heaven will be like:

There are ten virgins going out to meet Jesus.  Five are wise; five are foolish.  The wise ones brought along a flask of oil so they could refill their lamps if they needed to.  The foolish ones didn’t.

While they were waiting for the bridegroom (Jesus) to come, the foolish ones missed out because they ran out of oil.  They had to leave to buy more oil. The wise ones were prepared for the long wait and in the end, were able to go into the “wedding feast” with Jesus.

Right now.  Today.  You decide if you are willing to make the effort and be prepared.  Whether you believe it or not, the day will come.  I don’t think any of us want to be “locked out” of heaven, do we?

Scripture warns us that we need to “stay awake” because we do not know when our day will come.  That means we better get ready.

If you do nothing else today, make yourself a personal commitment to make one small step towards God.  And if you have already done that, then up your game. 

How can you love, forgive and care more for your neighbor?  How can you give greater thanks to God and offer him praise?

And finally, ask yourself, how can I be better prepared? What is the oil that you need in order to keep your light shining brightly?

Ask God for that and trust in his response.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com