Readiness For Eternity

Readiness (Written by guest writer David Peterson)

In Matthew 25:1–13, Jesus tells the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Five wise virgins brought extra oil for their lamps, while five foolish ones did not as they waited for the groom. When the bridegroom arrived, only the wise virgins were ready and entered the wedding feast. The foolish virgins were left out while they went to buy more oil. Jesus told this parable to emphasize the importance of being prepared for the unexpected arrival of the Lord.

Jesus says in verses 10–13:

“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Yet later, the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour.”

Jesus is warning all of us to be ready for when He returns.

A.W. Pink wrote this about Jesus’ warning:

“Our readiness, or our reluctancy 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 connects our love for God with our readiness for Christ’s return.

Peter Philip Bilhorn wrote the hymn “Behold, He Cometh!” in 1911. The second verse reads:

Behold the Lord is coming, He’s coming very soon,

At such an hour we think not, at morning, night or noon,

Believers, are you ready to meet this glorious sight,

Behold He quickly cometh! Yes, He may come tonight.

Bilhorn echoes the words of Jesus: we must live in readiness for His glorious return!

Let us pray:

Jesus, we do not know when You are returning, but please prepare our hearts. Keep us alert, attentive, and vigilant to Your promise of coming back for all believers. Amen.