Matthew 25:5-6 NKJV
5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
One of the statements that caught my attention in this parable is the fact that the bridegroom took a long time in coming. Think about this; just because the bridegroom took a long time in coming did not mean that he was not going to come. I have seen people who get overwhelmed by the waiting fatigue. You wait for so long, you get tired of waiting. I am sure you have heard people say that since they were children they have always been told that Jesus is coming back, and yet, he has never come back, and now they are in their old age. Just because he seems to have taken long in his coming does not mean that he is not coming.
Jesus said that the last days will be like the days of Noah people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. Life was going on and people were oblivious of what was coming even though Noah warned them and was building this gigantic Ark in preparation. Right after this, Jesus says;
Matthew 24:42-44 NKJV
42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Someone said that we should plan as though Jesus is not coming back for another 100 years, but we should live as though he will come back today. Preparation is important, but we should not be so focused on going to heaven that we become of no earthly good. Jesus left us with a mandate. We must go into the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We have a job to do as we await his coming. May we not be caught in slumber at the announcement of his coming, instead, may we be found going about our father’s business.
Reflections:
Are you always late or early for meetings and appointments? What has informed this character trait in you?
What is your attitude when you have to wait for a long time? Do you complain and get impatient when you wait, or do you remain calm and joyful?
What are you doing as you await the return of our Lord?
