Today’s Scripture from Matthew 25 gives us a parable describing something about the kingdom of heaven.

Now it’s important to note that whenever parables or other literary devices are used in Scripture, they only go so far. Not every detail in the parable is meant to correspond to every detail about the kingdom of heaven. It is meant to describe something specific.

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Matthew 25:13

Just prior to this passage at the end of chapter 24 the main point was to “stay awake” (Matthew 24:42) and “be ready” (Matthew 24:44).

This passage has a similar message: the Bridegroom (Christ) is coming and we who are called to with the honor of coming out to meet and honor Him are to be prepared!

A lot can be said about what that entails, but I’ll break it down into this application: We who are followers of Christ (and don’t just claim to be) need to be ready for the imminent return of Jesus by,

  1. Being in the Word by knowing God and His will. Knowing Him in prayer and praise.
  2. Being in His Will by being wise and prepared; living as He has Called and commanded.
  3. Remaining steadfast, keeping our ‘lamps trimmed and filled’ and not compromising by giving what is due only to the Groom.

We can get lost in the details, but the main character in this parable is the Groom; His arrival, His feast, His honor. All the other characters are supporting to Him. We are to be supporting to Him – and no one else! We are to order our thoughts, our lives, and our living centered on Him – always; never wavering, never stopping, never pausing!

Because the wedding feast is His, and we are privileged to take part; but it is not for those who sought self and didn’t have their eyes on Him.

This isn’t a treatise on salvation by “being ready,” it’s acknowledgement that those who have been saved and given the honor and call to be ready live with eyes always on Him and not stayed anywhere else.

We have been saved and given the greatest gift of salvation by the Groom, Jesus! He has Called us to be ready for His return! May we do so by constantly and consistently being in the Word, being in His will, and by remaining uncompromisingly steadfast; for a feast without end!

“Gracious Groom, Jesus; thank You for saving us and giving us the great honor to watch, wait, and meet You at Your return. Grant us to always be ready by being in Your Word and will and remaining steadfast without compromise – for Your glory, now and forever! Amen!”

Scripture

  • Matthew 25:1-13
  • Psalm 70 (responsory)