Matthew 24:44
44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. ESV
Imagine this… one man, ten women and the opportunity of a lifetime to hand pick a bride to serve you, please you, cater to you, and love you like no other. Ladies, it’s your opportunity to dress your best, and shine like the beautiful, gorgeous star that you are. It’s time to put your best foot forward as you meet the groom! A few guys out there are thinking, “What a lucky guy…”
Now, here is the twist…there were originally ten ladies waiting, but five made an epic mistake. They arrived unprepared and had to leave to get their necessary items, just hoping to make it back in time. Upon the handsome groom’s arrival, five crème-dele-crème ladies who were mature, successful, caring, eager-to-please, and wise stood ready for the opportunity to start a new life. In the middle of the rose ceremony to pick the bride, the other five foolish girls return yelling and screaming at the door. Unbearable, outlandish yells are heard coming from the other side of the door, “Sir, sir, let me in!” Unfortunately for the foolish ladies, they missed the opportunity of a lifetime. They stood in a crowd of like-minded fools crying at midnight because they failed to prepare. Those who prepared stood in the grace of their dream man, an opportunity of a lifetime.
This particular story may sound like a television show that airs for those interested in bachelors or bachelorettes, but it’s a parable which Jesus uses to tell what the kingdom of heaven is like. You must prepare yourself for the present and the future. In school and in business there is a saying that holds true: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. If you’re going to make it today and you want success tomorrow, you must always be prepared. If there is one thing that Jesus consistently and continually preached it was that we need to be ready. If you are going to live a RADICAL lifestyle, you must get ready and be prepared. Over and over again He states, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Math. 24:44 NIV).
The five foolish girls could be living in the year 2013. They were so caught up in the moment that they didn’t look to the future and plan for what they needed. People these days are the same way. People live paycheck to paycheck. Others are so busy on their Facebook account that they don’t have time to prepare for the next day, week or month. Then there are those that eat fast food every day or every other day and neglect your body (your temple); are you thinking long term when you load your body with chemicals and harsh additives? Most obviously, look at the morals of America and the lives of a vast majority of Americans… it’s all about NOW-NOW-NOW. Are we really preparing for the future, our children, our grand-children? Rising debt, who knows if social security will be around, education is falling by the wayside… There is a massive moral disconnect between faith and ethical moral behavior in our country and even within the church.
If you are going to declare, claim and live a truly blessed life you must be on top of your game, you literally have to be in the game. Coaches who make it to the Super Bowl or World Series don’t get there by impromptu play calling, no practices and an unhealthy team. The team who prepares puts in the extra effort by having off-season practices on top of the regularly scheduled rigorous season practices, and it’s the team that finishes STRONG despite the adversity or opponent… this coach/team comes out the winner. You must apply this to your life… make it a lifestyle. Nothing worth having is easy. Go the distance, be prepared… Will you Be The One? We Are Church – Ready!
Prayer Points:
· Praise God for giving you revelation knowledge of His plan
· Thank Him that He has given you resources to prepare for His coming
· Pray that God will open your eyes to see and ears to hear Him above all things
· Ask Him to show you the way and guide you to ultimate victory in Him
Don Gibson
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