Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Waiting for God
Matthew 25:1-13
  Anne Mathew

Connecticut Mar Thoma Congregation

13 Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

This Bible passage is Jesus’s reply to the disciples, who came to Him privately and asked, “tell us, ”they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of age?” (Matthew 24: 3). Here, Jesus is not addressing the general public or the Pharisees but His disciples who are His followers.
As Christians and followers of Jesus, we believe that our Lord will return but what we do not know is the exact time.  If Jesus (the bridegroom) did come back today, how will He find us? Ready to go with Him or unprepared like the foolish virgins.  In the above passage, all ten virgins were invited to the wedding and all of them brought their lamps, as was the custom in Jewish weddings.  We also read that all 10 slept when the bridegroom was delayed and all 10 heard the call, “Here’s the bridegroom, come out and meet him.” The 10 virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps but only 5 had oil for their lamps and were ready to go inside the house with the bridegroom.
The Bible says in Matthew 22:14, “For many are invited but only few are chosen.” God in His mercy has given us many opportunities to hear His word and be saved through faith.  Just like the wise virgins who had oil for their lamps, we need the Holy Spirit in our lives to help us live a life that is filled with love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  If we do not have the fruits of the spirit then sinful nature like envy, strife, jealousy, selfish ambition and impurity are seen in us. The word of God clearly says in Galatians 5:21 “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”  The kingdom of God may or may not come in our lifetime but we need to be ready, always alert, and keep our eyes focused on Jesus so that we will not be lead astray by this world and its cares.  We will be asked to give an account of our life.  Did we truly believe in Christ? There will be a clear division between the believers and the non-believers just like the wise virgins and the foolish virgins. What will our Savior say to us? “I tell you the truth, I don’t know you?” or “well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

PRAYER

Lord, Jesus we ask You to forgive us our sins of unpreparedness for Your coming. Fill us with Your holy spirit that we may live our lives according to Your word. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,  the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2.

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