Living in expectation of Jesus' Coming
The winter season reminds us of transitions—the way we anticipate spring's arrival through warming weather, longer days, and budding plants. We recognize the season before spring fully arrives. Similarly, Scripture gives us signs to recognize the season of Christ's return, not to predict an exact date, but to understand the times we're living in.
This truth should fundamentally change how we live each day.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins: A Call to Readiness
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the story of ten virgins waiting for a bridegroom. Five were wise and five were foolish. The difference? Preparation. The wise virgins brought extra oil for their lamps; the foolish ones didn't. When the bridegroom was delayed and finally arrived at midnight, only those who were prepared could enter the wedding feast.
Understanding the context of first-century Jewish weddings illuminates this parable powerfully. After the betrothal contract was signed, the groom would return to his father's house to prepare a place for his bride—an addition to the family home. This preparation period typically lasted about a year. The bride didn't know the exact day the groom would come for her; only the father determined when everything was ready.
When that moment arrived, the groom would leave with family and friends, accompanied by shouting and trumpet sounds, declaring, "The groom is coming!" The bridesmaids, waiting with their lamps lit, would hear this announcement and prepare the bride to meet her groom.
Sound familiar? In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul writes: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout and the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."
The parallel is striking and intentional.
Three Ways to Prepare for His Coming
1. Abide in the Word of God
Sheep know their shepherd's voice because they spend time with him. They learn to distinguish his voice from all others through constant exposure. If we want to recognize God's voice and direction in our lives, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture—not just on Sundays, but consistently, daily, personally.
There's a direct correlation between time spent in God's Word and the closeness of our relationship with Him. The Word gives us a biblical worldview, strengthens our faith, and enables us to hear God speak. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Your faith is only as strong as what your faith is in, and the more you know Jesus through His Word, the stronger your faith becomes.
2. Live Each Day as Though Jesus Could Return Anytime
Here's a challenging question: If you knew Jesus was returning today, would you live any differently than you did yesterday? If the answer is yes, then it reveals something important.
Even if we were able to know the exact timing of His return, it shouldn't change how we live each day. We should live each day consistently—ready, watchful, faithful—whether we know when He's coming or not. Because the reality is, one day you'll wake up and the trumpet will sound. In an instant, we'll be with Jesus.
Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Today is, because you're experiencing it right now. But tomorrow? That's not promised to anyone.
3. Avoid Entanglement with Worldly Pursuits
Jesus warned, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20). Our ultimate goal as followers of Christ is to live for God's kingdom, not to get caught up chasing temporary things like money, status, or pleasure.
Paul told Timothy, "No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him" (2 Timothy 2:4). This doesn't mean we can't enjoy life or have hobbies. It means we can't be living *for* things—for careers, money, or even our favorite pastimes. We must be living *for* Jesus Christ.
The Parable of the Talents: A Call to Faithfulness
The second parable in Matthew 25 addresses faithfulness. A master entrusts his servants with talents—five to one, two to another, one to the last—each according to their ability. The first two servants invest and double what they received. The third buries his talent in the ground.
When the master returns, he commends the faithful servants identically: "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." The wicked servant, who did nothing with what he received, is cast into outer darkness.
Notice that the servant with five talents and the servant with two talents receive the same commendation. Faithfulness isn't measured by the amount we're given but by what we do with it.
What Has God Given You?
Consider what God has entrusted to you:
- **Time**: We all have the same 24 hours. How are you using yours for His kingdom?
- **Natural abilities**: Skills and talents that enable you to do what others cannot—these are from God.
- **Spiritual gifts**: Every believer has been given at least one spiritual gift (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4).
- **Opportunities**: Chances to tell others about Christ and serve Him.
- **Responsibility**: What you do with all of the above.
Faithfulness doesn't determine salvation, but it does determine rewards. When we stand before Christ, don't we all want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant"?
The Separation of Sheep and Goats
Matthew 25 concludes with Jesus describing His return in glory, when He will separate people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The sheep—those who demonstrated their faith through compassionate action—inherit the kingdom. The goats—those who did not believe and showed no evidence of transformed hearts—face judgment.
This isn't about earning salvation through good works. It's about genuine faith producing visible fruit.
Today Is the Day
The message is urgent and clear: Be ready. Be faithful. Don't wait for tomorrow to surrender your life to Christ or to live wholeheartedly for Him. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed.
If you're a follower of Christ, examine your life honestly. Are you truly ready? Have you been faithful with what God has given you? If not, today is the day to renew your commitment.
If you've never placed your faith in Jesus Christ, understand that you've been given a revelation of truth today. Jesus is real. He died for your sins and rose again. The only way to heaven is through faith in Him—not through good works or being a "good person."
The wages of sin is death. Sin will be paid for—that's not in question. The only question is whether you'll pay it yourself or accept what Jesus already paid for you.
One day soon, the trumpet will sound. Will you be ready?
This truth should fundamentally change how we live each day.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins: A Call to Readiness
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the story of ten virgins waiting for a bridegroom. Five were wise and five were foolish. The difference? Preparation. The wise virgins brought extra oil for their lamps; the foolish ones didn't. When the bridegroom was delayed and finally arrived at midnight, only those who were prepared could enter the wedding feast.
Understanding the context of first-century Jewish weddings illuminates this parable powerfully. After the betrothal contract was signed, the groom would return to his father's house to prepare a place for his bride—an addition to the family home. This preparation period typically lasted about a year. The bride didn't know the exact day the groom would come for her; only the father determined when everything was ready.
When that moment arrived, the groom would leave with family and friends, accompanied by shouting and trumpet sounds, declaring, "The groom is coming!" The bridesmaids, waiting with their lamps lit, would hear this announcement and prepare the bride to meet her groom.
Sound familiar? In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul writes: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout and the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."
The parallel is striking and intentional.
Three Ways to Prepare for His Coming
1. Abide in the Word of God
Sheep know their shepherd's voice because they spend time with him. They learn to distinguish his voice from all others through constant exposure. If we want to recognize God's voice and direction in our lives, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture—not just on Sundays, but consistently, daily, personally.
There's a direct correlation between time spent in God's Word and the closeness of our relationship with Him. The Word gives us a biblical worldview, strengthens our faith, and enables us to hear God speak. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Your faith is only as strong as what your faith is in, and the more you know Jesus through His Word, the stronger your faith becomes.
2. Live Each Day as Though Jesus Could Return Anytime
Here's a challenging question: If you knew Jesus was returning today, would you live any differently than you did yesterday? If the answer is yes, then it reveals something important.
Even if we were able to know the exact timing of His return, it shouldn't change how we live each day. We should live each day consistently—ready, watchful, faithful—whether we know when He's coming or not. Because the reality is, one day you'll wake up and the trumpet will sound. In an instant, we'll be with Jesus.
Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Today is, because you're experiencing it right now. But tomorrow? That's not promised to anyone.
3. Avoid Entanglement with Worldly Pursuits
Jesus warned, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20). Our ultimate goal as followers of Christ is to live for God's kingdom, not to get caught up chasing temporary things like money, status, or pleasure.
Paul told Timothy, "No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him" (2 Timothy 2:4). This doesn't mean we can't enjoy life or have hobbies. It means we can't be living *for* things—for careers, money, or even our favorite pastimes. We must be living *for* Jesus Christ.
The Parable of the Talents: A Call to Faithfulness
The second parable in Matthew 25 addresses faithfulness. A master entrusts his servants with talents—five to one, two to another, one to the last—each according to their ability. The first two servants invest and double what they received. The third buries his talent in the ground.
When the master returns, he commends the faithful servants identically: "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." The wicked servant, who did nothing with what he received, is cast into outer darkness.
Notice that the servant with five talents and the servant with two talents receive the same commendation. Faithfulness isn't measured by the amount we're given but by what we do with it.
What Has God Given You?
Consider what God has entrusted to you:
- **Time**: We all have the same 24 hours. How are you using yours for His kingdom?
- **Natural abilities**: Skills and talents that enable you to do what others cannot—these are from God.
- **Spiritual gifts**: Every believer has been given at least one spiritual gift (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4).
- **Opportunities**: Chances to tell others about Christ and serve Him.
- **Responsibility**: What you do with all of the above.
Faithfulness doesn't determine salvation, but it does determine rewards. When we stand before Christ, don't we all want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant"?
The Separation of Sheep and Goats
Matthew 25 concludes with Jesus describing His return in glory, when He will separate people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The sheep—those who demonstrated their faith through compassionate action—inherit the kingdom. The goats—those who did not believe and showed no evidence of transformed hearts—face judgment.
This isn't about earning salvation through good works. It's about genuine faith producing visible fruit.
Today Is the Day
The message is urgent and clear: Be ready. Be faithful. Don't wait for tomorrow to surrender your life to Christ or to live wholeheartedly for Him. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed.
If you're a follower of Christ, examine your life honestly. Are you truly ready? Have you been faithful with what God has given you? If not, today is the day to renew your commitment.
If you've never placed your faith in Jesus Christ, understand that you've been given a revelation of truth today. Jesus is real. He died for your sins and rose again. The only way to heaven is through faith in Him—not through good works or being a "good person."
The wages of sin is death. Sin will be paid for—that's not in question. The only question is whether you'll pay it yourself or accept what Jesus already paid for you.
One day soon, the trumpet will sound. Will you be ready?
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