“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the Bridegroom. Now five of them were wise [true believers], and five were foolish [apostates]. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil [Holy Spirit] in their vessels with their lamps. But while the Bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.” Matt. 25:1-3
“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the Bridegroom is coming; go out to meet Him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying: ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with Him to the wedding; and the door was shut!” Matt. 25:6-10
“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying: ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But He answered and said: ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming!” Matt. 25:11-13
Today’s Christian daily devotional
“Cool down with a Shamrock Shake.” It was that time of year again. My mom kept driving past the McDonalds, but my heart and taste buds were trailing behind picturing the cold minty comfort sliding down my throat. Looking into the rear-view mirror, my mom caught the disappointment in our little faces. “I’ll tell you what—If you and your brother clean your rooms, finish your homework and chores by dinner time, we will go get a shake for dessert!”
“Yes!” My brother and I high-fived each other in the back seat, ready for anything.
Our car pulled up into the driveway, and my buddy Renee’ from down the street was waiting for my arrival. Her bike was propped next to mine. The beautiful weather was too great a temptation for me. Besides, it had been a whole week since our last ride. I told myself I would just go a couple of laps and then be onto my duties and that icy-good mint shake.
I hoped onto my pink tasseled bicycle and we rode around for what felt like five minutes. When I returned, I noticed the sun was a bit lower than expected. Upon entering my front door, I could hear my favorite television show blaring from the tube. I was entranced. It was an episode that I had not seen yet. “It would not hurt just to sit and cool down for a minute.” I justified while I untied my sneakers.
As I sank into the couch, it eased aches that I did not know I had. Before I knew it, my mom was calling us up for dinner. I gobbled up every last pea from my plate with great anticipation, hoping my mom would bend the rules for me a bit. She knew how much I loved that Shamrock shake.
“I hope you found the time in your busy schedule to finish your homework.” My mom gave me a knowing glance and held her hand out for the evidence of my obedience.
“The day was so nice! I did not want to waste it doing math!” I protested. I could feel my face contort in a way that might convince her I was pathetic enough to indulge.
“Daniel?” My brother dug through his book bag and gave her his completed homework.
“Let’s see your rooms!” Mom scooted up the stairs as I trailed behind reluctantly, trying to remember if I left it half-way decent. Maybe it would be enough just to get by. She peered into my private haven, and the look on her face said it all. She was not going to buy what I was trying to sell. There was no use putting effort into any further facial contortions.
“Your brother and I will be back in a little while, Julia. I expect to see your chores and homework done. I am sorry to leave you here, but I must keep my word. Daniel, get your coat on.” My heart dropped down into my stomach that was churing for my Shamrock shake. I sadly watched them drive away.
Just like me, the virgins depicted in this parable had the prideful and lazy assumption that the “minimal amount of effort and interest” was going to be enough.
The wise virgins felt that this wedding was so important that they were not willing to take any chances. They valued this moment and their actions showed their passion. Nothing was going to stand in between them and that wedding!
Many people think they have all the time in the world to come and “get right with God”. Many people are too lazy to make a move for God today. They will “think about it” and “worry about it” for a later time. I wish I could say that when you are “perfectly ready” that “perfect day” will come and you will seamlessly go from ignorance into spiritual awakening. Just as all of these virgins had equal opportunity to get ready for their travel and prepare for it; we too, have had plenty of opportunity to prepare for our eternal life after death.
What you do is all a matter of what is important to you. Over the course of your life, you have had thousands of opportunities to take a moment and grasp the deeper value of your eternal soul. Is it important enough for you to look into finding the answers that have been pressing down on your heart? The kingdom of God was created for all, but only those who put the effort to search for God with all their heart will be the ones to enjoy that eternal party.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to go to heaven. I want to enjoy that kingdom. Sometimes it is hard for me to keep my focus on you when my life is filled with so many distractions. Help me to see the value of what is really important and what is literally wasting my life away. I don’t know how long I will be blessed to live on this earth, but I do know one thing–I have no idea when my last breath will be. I pray over my heart, that I will always desire to know you, and be ready for your return. I pray that the love that I have for my own eternal future I will pass onto the friends and family that you are calling me to be a witness to. Many people are not going to heaven, and this list includes many of my friends. Help me to be a REAL friend, and give me the strength to reach out and speak of the things that will bless them in a REAL way. In Jesus’ precious name, bless me Lord to be a blessing and a light to others, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s daily devotional.
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan