The time to get ready is now.

This is true for every person on the planet.

Yes, it’s a matter of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2, Isaiah 55:6, Hebrews 3:7).

But it’s also a matter of faithfulness, of living out what God has given us through Jesus.

Let’s look at a parable Jesus told about ten virgins and the coming of the Bridegroom.

Get Ready: Background Context

First, a little background about why Jesus told this particular story to His disciples.

As Jesus left the temple for the last time during His earthly ministry, He told His disciples that the impressive building would be completely destroyed (a prophecy that came true at the hands of the Romans in 70 A.D.).

Just as we all would have done, they immediately asked questions, which were basically “When?” and “How will we know it’s coming?”

In other words, they wanted to make sure they would have time to get ready.

Question #1: “How will we know?”

To answer the “How will we know?” question, Jesus gave them (and us!) many signs to watch for, but the one that particularly stood out to me was one that relates to being ready.

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:12-13)

In other words, we can’t afford to get complacent in our relationship with the Lord and our service to and for Him!! Lip service and good intentions won’t work!

Question #2: “When?”

To answer the “When?” question, Jesus told them the same message FOUR TIMES, one right after the other!

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)

“Therefore keep watch, because you do no know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)

“So you also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” (Matthew 24:44)

“The Master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect Him and at an hour he is not aware of.” (Matthew 24:50)

See why it’s so imperative to get ready? If this background passage hasn’t convinced you, maybe the story Jesus tells next will.

Get Ready – A Story of Wise and Foolish Virgins

Jesus describes how it will be “at that time” in Matthew 25:1-13. Ten virgins, half of them labeled as “wise” and the other half as “foolish,” took their lamps and went to meet the Bridegroom (a symbol for Jesus). The wise virgins not only took their lamps, but also extra oil. They weren’t willing to take any chances when it came to being with the One they loved!

But the Bridegroom was delayed. (To see why, read 2 Peter 3:9.) His coming took longer than anticipated, and because of His delay, they ALL became drowsy and fell asleep. (See how this corresponds with the verse above about the love of most growing cold?)

At a time when they least expected Him (midnight), the call came to go out and meet the Bridegroom. The foolish virgins didn’t have enough oil and had to leave to purchase some. When they returned, the Bridegroom and other virgins had already left for the wedding banquet, the door locked and shut. No matter how hard the foolish virgins pounded and yelled, the door didn’t open.

Instead they received this devastating answer: “I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.” (Matthew 25:12)

Matthew 7:21-23 sheds more light on this phrase, “I don’t know you.” According to this passage, there will be many at the second coming of Christ who will call Him “Lord, Lord,” but it won’t be enough. Jesus expounds on this by saying that only those who do God’s will can enter Heaven. He also calls these impostors those “who practice lawlessness.”

Get Ready: The Lessons For Us
1. It’s easy to think that we’re “ready enough.”

When we see the increasing wickedness of the world around us, it’s often enough for us to give up on God, to let the flame of love for Him die out, and to fall asleep.

The foolish virgins revealed that they were complacent, lazy, selfish, unfaithful, inattentive, and not-at-all in love with the Bridegroom or eager to share eternity with Him.

The wise virgins showed that they were truly ready for His return. This was a day they had prepared for and were waiting for in expectant hope. That’s how much they loved Him and longed to be with Him.

2. It’s easy to assume we have plenty of time.

While it’s true that every generation thinks the end will come during their lifetime, we can’t let Jesus’ delay make us complacent.

Just as Jesus was about His Father’s business, so must we.

“We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4)

Remember: He will come when we least expect Him. Don’t be lulled into a state of unreadiness!

3. We can’t pretend a relationship that isn’t there.

Nothing is more important to God than our intimate relationship with Him. He proved that by sending Jesus to die on a cross to redeem us and make a way for us to be in right relationship with our Father.

But we mustn’t use Jesus or His holy name as fire insurance to save us at the last minute. All this does is prove that we never truly believed.

God knows our hearts. He knows whether we’re sincere or just giving Him lip service.

NOW is the time to follow Him wholeheartedly!

4. We shouldn’t presume on His patience.

Yes, our God is patient beyond description. Jesus’ delay in bringing judgment is proof.

But that’s exactly what the foolish virgins did. In their self-centered way of thinking the Bridegroom would give them time to get more oil before He took off for the banquet. Their actions revealed that they weren’t truly ready to be united with the Lord forever.

5. We can’t borrow what belongs to someone else.

There is no borrowing a relationship with Jesus and fervent heart required for that relationship. We won’t be able on that day to use a list of why God should let us go to Heaven. Good works, church attendance, living in America, having Christian parents — none of that will be enough.

Instead, we must simply make ourselves ready by being in a right relationship with our Lord God. Let us be found ready and waiting for His return!

A Prayer For Readiness

Lord Jesus, open our eyes to see ourselves in light of the parable of the ten virgins. Help us to be wise, to get ready now, and to stay ready. Help us not be complacent, lazy, hum-ho about our relationship with You, and completely unprepared. May our hearts belong to You and You alone. Keep the fire of our lanterns burn ever brighter with each day. May we be ready and waiting for Your return, eager to spend all of forever with our Bridegroom. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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