“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)
Do you ever think of what Jesus would find you doing, where He’d find you, and what He’ll see in your heart the very moment He returns?
As we recall from yesterday’s reading of Matthew 24, Jesus warns us that we must be ready when he returns unexpectedly (Mt. 24:44). He follows this warning with two parables elaborating the importance of us to be on guard while using our God-given gifts to bear fruit.
What can we take away from these parables?
- Be patient. Like the bridegroom, Jesus, our bridegroom will come at a day and hour we do not know.
- Be prepared and alert. Just as the five wise virgins brought oil with their lamps, we should be prepared when Jesus returns. Jesus calls us to pray to have the strength to do this (Lk. 21:36). On the other hand, the foolish virgins did not equip themselves with oil for their lamps, so the bridegroom shut the door on them, saying he does not know them. Pray and keep your lamps burning!
- Be wise. To be wise like five of the virgins means hearing and acting on God’s Word (Mt. 7:24; Jas. 1:22–25; Prov. 2:6). Take a few minutes out of your day to read your Bible, praying your daily living reflects the Word.
- Give to and trust in the Lord. We’re to trust God just as he entrusted us with talents. As stewards, we’re to invest and multiply our gifts to serve Him and our brothers and sisters. Jesus calls righteous those who serve and give to the Lord without anything in return; eternal life is waiting for them (25:34–40; 46).
We miss out when we are lazy. We could be in God’s presence and experience bliss! But the foolish servant with one talent didn’t take the time to prepare for their master (25:24-27). He claimed to be afraid of the master and that was why he did not invest his talent. The master called him out as evil and lazy. Eternal punishment awaits those who live selfishly and do not serve the Lord (25:41–46). God’s gifts aren’t just ours to keep. They are meant to be used and be fruitful.
We are not alone. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to be ready for Jesus’ return. God also prepares us by giving us his Word for wisdom. Lastly, God gives the Church, our brothers and sisters to serve and worship together, confess our sins, share Jesus with those who don’t know him, pray for each other. This is a lifestyle and God’s mission for us, in hopes that one day, he will say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (25:21,23).
How do you want Jesus to see you, not only at the moment he returns, but today?