“Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” Jesus
We currently are experiencing events unprecedented in history. Entire countries around the globe are locked down at home at the same time. Biblical prophecy in relation to Israel is set to come true literally at any moment.
It’s time to remember a clear warning Jesus gave His disciples before His death and resurrection, which we recently celebrated.
In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus tells the story of 10 virgins with lamps, much like the one pictured. Five were ready for the bridegroom to return at any hour and five were not. How do we know? Only five had a lamp with a wick and oil while the other five only had a lamp with a wick.
The five with oil, picture those who put their faith in Jesus and are indwelt by the Spirit (i.e. oil), which shows they are children of God (Rom. 8:9-11). Whereas the other five, merely hung out with them, but were not known by Jesus or children of God.
Jesus tells the church at Laodicea to let Him in the building (Rev. 3:14-22)! These people were going to a church building for a Christian service, but were not known by Jesus.
It’s a stark reminder of what Jesus, the bridegroom, said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me.”
Anyone can say they are a Christian or attend a Christian church service. Only those who love Jesus through listening to and following Him will be ready at a moment’s notice to go home with Him.
Whose voice are you listening to today? Those who are known by Jesus, under the Spirit’s power, will listen to and follow Him every day, everywhere.
Become a believer in Jesus today through surrendering to what He did for you (died and rose again), not what you think you can do for Him. Then express your love for Him through daily choosing to follow Him.
Do that, and you’ll be ready regardless of the times in which you live.