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. – Matthew 25:10
Usually before I go hunting, my floor is covered with camping gear for days in advance. I do not want to forget anything, so I like to write everything down that I will need. On my list, I put things like ammunition, hunting license, sleeping bag, etc., and start gathering the items. Once on a previous trip, I remembered everything but a pillow—so now I write that down, too. Once I went and did not pack any spare socks; I only had the ones I was wearing. They did not last the whole week! This is why I make it a point to write things down and get ready early.
On a recent hunting trip, a friend and I were going to be in an area near my parents’ home, so I thought I would just spend the nights at their place to simplify the trip. However, the more I thought about it, I realized how much I love being up on the mountain. At the last minute I changed my mind and told my friend I would rather camp out. Inevitably, I did not remember to pack everything I needed. When I would discover that I had forgotten another item, the thought would come, If only I had made my lists!
Our focus verse is from the parable of the ten virgins who were waiting for the bridegroom. The virgins who went with the bridegroom did things ahead of time; they knew what needed to be done before the bridegroom arrived and made sure everything was completed. We do not know if they made lists to help them, but one way or another, they got things ready.
The foolish virgins waited until the last minute to prepare, and they discovered there was not enough time. While trying to purchase the oil they needed, the bridegroom came and left without them. They, too, had known what preparations were necessary, but neglected to make sure those things happened.
We do not want to be like one of the five foolish virgins. Spiritually speaking, it is crucial for us to be ready ahead of time. Jesus Christ is coming again, and if we put off the necessary preparations now, we may not be ready when He comes. It only takes a moment to ask God to show us where we stand with Him, yet there will not be enough time to do it after He comes.
Let’s be sure not to overlook any part of our spiritual preparation. If we take time each day to check that our hearts and lives are prepared for Jesus’ return, we will be ready!