Preparation is needed for all aspects of life. We get ready for bed, ready for work, and ready for church on Sunday. But there are those grand moments that require much more preparation than others. A wedding is one such event.

Not preparing for the daily tasks we are given is irresponsible. It is the evidence of an undisciplined life. Not being prepared for major life events however is completely foolish. Let’s carefully look at what Jesus has to say.

Matthew 25: 1-13 “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, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 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. 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.”

Christ speaks often of being prepared. In this parable, half of the virgins were completely unprepared to meet their bridegroom. They had all been sleeping; resting peacefully, thoughtful about tomorrow’s plans. But suddenly, at midnight there was a cry that the bridegroom (Christ) was coming! NOW was the time to go out and meet Him. Oh no! Five did a last minute scramble, but the moment He came was the moment it was already too late. The oil could not be borrowed. The Bridegroom had come! Those that were ready went in with Him to the marriage feast, and the door was closed. No one else would enter.

Many people profess to be Christians, but do not have the Holy Spirit (the oil). They are not born again. Many mingle with the saved, but aren’t really one of them.

Do YOU have oil in your lamp? Is YOUR heart full of His Spirit? The Holy Spirit must be present in each of our hearts; He cannot be borrowed or loaned out as a convenience; He must dwell within the vessel of who we are. God is very serious about personal responsibility. To those without His Spirit, the worst words of all time will be spoken…”I do not know you.”

Be sure....prepare….and tell others…..over and over again.

There will be no time left for anyone to make a quick decision once He comes. He is coming soon….ready or not.