BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM! COME OUT TO MEET HIM!
Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” (Matthew 25:6 TAB) were the words of Jesus Christ in His parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins. Christ used this parable and many others during the climax of His earthly ministry to bring to our consciousness that we should always be prepared for His coming. Yes, He wants us to live with this consciousness that He will surely return to take home those who are ready for His wedding feast just like the wise virgins.
As Christians and pilgrims on earth, we are on a journey to the wedding feast of the Lamb Christ Jesus. Today, this parable of the wise and foolish virgins is in effect in our lives. The parable speaks of how prepared we should be as we await Christs kingdom. As observed in the parable, a day will surely come when death will announce to us, Behold, the bridegroom comes! Come out to meet Him!” and the reality is that this day is inevitable. Beloved, those who are prepared for His coming just like the wise virgins will have a place in His kingdom. While those who are not prepared like the foolish virgins will have the door closed against them.
This message today, reminds us of the reality of life. Life on earth has a beginning and end. No one will live forever on earth. Death or Rapture will visit everyone the good or the bad some day. But for us Christians, we believe in life afternoon death. Hence, we must evaluate our readiness for that inevitable moment daily. Our awareness of His coming or death should restrain us from ungodly actions like anger, hatred, jealousy, orgies, idolatry, pride, murder (eg abortion), impurity, licentiousness, sorcery, selfishness, rivalry, jealousy, dissension, envy, and all forms of vices or immoralities.
Beloved, have you ever imagined that God could come at that very time of committing a sin or you might be called home during an act of sin? What explanation will you present before God that will surely justify your ungodly act? Some of us will say, God forbid! Beloved, dont be foolish like the foolish virgins because this parable was told for us to forsake all ungodly lifestyle and escape the consequence of ungodly life eternal damnation.
Yes, all who failed to heed this call will receive this verdict at the expiration of their lives on earth: Truly, I tell you, I do not know you Matthew 25:12 NRSV
Kindly know that no one can appeal or repeal this verdict. Jesus concluded this parable with these words, “Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13). And on the same chapter of Matthew 25 verse 31-46 Christ gave another parable of how to stay awake or how to keep our lamps burning in expectation of His coming. The parable is centered on our lives purpose love for God and neigbours. Beloved, the parable explains that our final judgment will be hinged on this virtue love.
Therefore, our religiosity, spirituality, “redeemernism”, “born-againism”, holiness or readiness will be of no value or assistance to us if it lacks love for God and our neighbours (See 1 Corinthians 13:1-4). All who stayed awake and kept their lamps burning for the love of God and neighour on their earthly sojourn will be welcomed to the wedding feast of the Lamb:
Come, you that are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was in prison and you visited Me. (Matthew 25:34-36 NRSV).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, enlighten my heart to appreciate and treasure your teachings and then grant me the grace to stay awake and live a life of genuine love. Amen.
Jesus Christ Speaks
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35 NRSV).
