Wedding Ready – November 20, 2020

[Jesus said] “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. . . . The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ . . . “The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Matthew 25:1-6,10-13

Wedding Ready

What’s the big deal about missing a wedding banquet? People miss them all the time. Sometimes they miss them on purpose. This year, people might have a bigger issue with missing a wedding banquet. Because of the pandemic, countless couples have changed, rearranged, or canceled their plans.

But that’s nothing compared to missing the feast that Jesus invites us to receive. The Bible describes heaven as one, eternal, joyous feast. Jesus has invested so much to include us at this feast. He gave his life to get us in. Jesus clothes us in his righteous garments. He gives us faith that holds onto his invitation. And now he is busy getting the banquet ready. This is one feast we don’t want to miss!

But there is so much that distracts us, that seems more important, that gratifies us now. Why wait for those eternal pleasures? What’s the big deal? The big deal is, you are either in or out. This is one wedding banquet you won’t be able to crash. You either spend eternity in God’s presence, enjoying all his blessings, or you miss out entirely and regret it eternally.

Jesus is coming back. Since we can’t know when it’s wise to be ready. So, keep your faith well-oiled with God’s Word. Repent of your sins. Trust that Jesus has fully atoned for your guilt. And wait with wide-open and expectant eyes for Jesus to return. Then, no matter when he does, you won’t miss it!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for inviting me to your wedding feast. Keep my faith focused on you so that I am ready for your arrival. Amen.