The unexpected expectation.
Jesus said,
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:44
We are told by Paul,
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:13 & 14
We are told to be prepared because Jesus will come in a moment when you will not have time to prepare.
Let us examine one of the most prominent of parables in relationship to the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The parable of the wise and foolish virgins,
What is the difference between the ten virgins? These five wise and five foolish pure souls?
The wise and foolish were invited, waiting with lamps and sleeping. However, the Bridegroom came at night. The lack of preparation and slumbering of these ten speaks to the fact they expected him to come during the day. In a moment of slumber, those ten slept until the call was made.
These ten had qualified themselves to be a part of the invited group. I suggest, as it applies to the church, that this purity is only possible through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. None is pure but God. However, as children of God, we have access to the righteousness of Christ through faith.
Right? However, Jesus has expectations on the pure. He will give you what you can’t have without Him. However, we must not be foolish to think he has no expectations on us to be prepared.
Let’s understand some had not made the cut to be invited. They were not virgins. It’s not a parable of a hundred virgins. This is speaking to individuals who choose to stay morally pure and chaste.
Half of them were prepared for the moment that the unexpected time came.
That is the only difference.
Five pure souls were lost, not because of their lack of purity but a lack of preparation.
Are you ready?
Prepare for the sudden appearance in an hour that you think not.
Jesus, help me to be prepared for the surprise.
In Him, By Him, Through Him!
Scott A. Phillips
Check out the parable to remind yourself of the wisdom and instructions of Jesus for us.
Matthew 25
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.