Readiness

Readiness (by David Peterson)

Jesus relates this parable in Matthew 25:1-13: “Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take extra oil with them; but the prudent ones took oil in flasks with their lamps.”

Jesus finishes this parable by showing that the foolish ones were not prepared when the groom (Christ) returned and so they missed out. Jesus is warning us that we need to be ready for Christ’s return even if it does not appear imminent.

AW Pink, the insightful theologian, wrote in his book, The Attributes of God, that “Our readiness, or our reluctance, to meditate upon the wrath of God becomes a sure test of our hearts’ true attitude toward Him. If we do not truly rejoice in God, for what He is in Himself … then how dwelleth the love of God in us?” Pink is warning us to take heed of Jesus’ words and be ready for Christ in all situations. We should know Him in all His wonder and be perpetually ready.

While not a classic church hymn, “People Get Ready” is a 1965 song written by Curtis Mayfield that impresses upon the listener to be ready for the event where Jesus calls for us to ride with him. Stanza 2 reads;

People get ready

For the train to Jordan

Picking up passengers

From coast to coast

Faith is the key

Open the doors and board them

There's room for all

Among the loved the most

Are you ready? Do Jesus’ words echo in your mind? Are you ready for His triumphal return?

Let us pray: Christ, our Savior, keep us watchful of your return. May we not grow weary, may we be ready, may we rejoice with you when you come to take us home! Amen.