Ready All the Time: Living Prepared for His Return

Ready All the Time challenges believers to stay spiritually prepared, filled with oil, and watching for Jesus’ return.

“The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. […] Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”—Matthew 25:1–13

Ten women had an equal opportunity to be ready for the coming of the bridegroom. In fact, all ten thought they were ready. But then there was a delay. Five of them were prudent and had brought enough oil for their lamps. They were ready for the bridegroom to come at any time. But five were foolish and had brought no oil.

They all fell asleep. Suddenly, there was a shout, and they were called to come out and meet the bridegroom. The wise women were ready, but the foolish ones had to find more oil and purchase what they needed.

Sadly, when the foolish women arrived at the wedding feast, the door already had been shut. Because of their failure to be prepared, the foolish bridesmaids missed out.

Jesus told this parable to help us look at our own lives and think about the choices we make with the resources we’ve been given. He wanted us to consider if we’re ready for the challenges of life and for His return. He warned that we must “watch therefore” since none of us knows “the day nor the hour.”

Make sure you are like the wise bridesmaids, having extra oil in your spiritual lamp. This happens as you spend time each day in God’s presence … as you read and obey His Word … as you ask Him to continually fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Reflection Question: How can you keep your spiritual lamp burning bright?