Be Prepared

Matthew 25

1 “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’
7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’
9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’
12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’
13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

I am an Eagle Scout. As such, I certainly know and try to live by the Scout Motto: “Be Prepared.” This seems to be the motto Jesus wants us to live by as well. Christ followers are called to be prepared for His imminent return. We don’t know the day nor the hour, but we should be ready…no matter what. We have no need to get entangled in pointless controversies, like when that Return will occur, but should instead live our lives to the fullest in Christ. Loving others and guiding them to Jesus, for example. Serving others and guiding them to Jesus. Showing others the way that Jesus would have us to live. When we do these things, our lamps are full, and when the Bridegroom returns for His Bride, we will be prepared.