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“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 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!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ they replied, there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ 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.”

 

It is so easy to get wrapped up in the everyday and not put our minds and hearts in what really matters. We may think that there is always tomorrow but there isn’t. We do not know when Jesus will return and so we must be ready.

Jesus was telling his disciples that they needed to be vigilant and watch. We are charged to do the same. The wise virgins were ready for the bridegroom, and we can be ready as well by learning and loving and drawing closer to God every day. This type of devotion cannot be borrowed as the five foolish bridesmaids had hoped.

Our hearts must be truly devoted to God. It doesn’t count if outwardly you are doing all the things you think are right, but your heart is not right with God. God knows our hearts and our true devotion to him. We may get tired as the bridesmaids did as they waited for their bridegroom, but we can be prepared as well.

Dear Lord, please let us draw ever closer to you so that we will be ready to join you at the wedding feast. Forgive us when we become complacent and turn us back to you through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

Karla Gerke

Kgerke56@gmail.com

 

Prayer Concern – Those who do not have a strong connection to Jesus