READ: Matthew
25
In Matthew 25 Jesus continues His “sermon” on the end times and
preparing for His return. There are many powerful observations that can be made
from what Jesus taught! They are
truly a gift to the church in these days!
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like
those who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.” Jesus is
highlighting the time of His return! What a glorious day this will be. BUT,
will we be ready? Jesus is drawing from a cultural practice of the Jews, in how
they experienced wedding preparation and the anticipation of a wedding. Through
it He is communicating to us something very significant. When He returns, we’ll
either be ready or not. It’s a personal decision.
We won’t be able to borrow “oil” from others. Christians have often debated
what this oil represents – the Holy Spirit, a relationship with God, something
else? – but let’s not lose the forest for the trees. He’s emphasizing personal readiness. Or in His own words,
“therefore keep watch, because you do not now the day or hour.”
Another aspect of readiness includes being
faithful with the use of what God has given us! It’s absolutely stunning that
the person who does nothing with his “talent” ends up in hell. This is a
sobering thought! Truly being a follower of Jesus involves good stewardship of
our gifts, our finances, our time and our family. There’s also great news in
this parable – there is reward and affirmation for those who are effective
stewards. In fact, Jesus even takes into account that different people have
been provided differing amounts of “talent”. This is why we need to lay down
comparing ourselves with others. The real question is this – “have we been
faithful with what we’ve been given?”
Jesus then refers to the moment when He comes
“in his glory”. Look at the picture that Jesus paints! The angels will be with
Him! He will sit on His heavenly throne! All the nations will be gathered
before Him! What a time this will be . . . except it will also be a time of
either great joy or horror, depending on the choices we have made prior to that
moment. For those who were righteous, there is an incredible inheritance! For
those who have been unrighteous, there is eternal punishment. This is especially
humbling when we realize that Jesus illustrates both the righteousness and
unrighteousness based on our decisions and actions related to the, “least of
these.” How are we treating the hurting in our world? We may use the excuse –
“I don’t know any”. Jesus may respond – “because you chose NOT to look.” We do
well to carefully consider God’s Word on such things.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1.
Consider for a moment the story of the ten virgins. Imagine Jesus
returning in all His glory! Now think about how Jesus will receive you. Ask Him
to minister to Your heart during this time – to protect you from either
unnecessary condemnation or deception.
2.
Grab a piece of paper, or your journal. Write down these words –
“gifts”, “skills”, “money”, “material possessions” and “time”. Ask the Lord to
speak to you about stewardship. How are you doing in each of these areas?
3.
Do some listening prayer – who are the needy in your circles? Ask God to
bring people to your attention. Ask Him for ideas on how to minister to them in
the name of Jesus. It’s best that we hear His heart on this, rather than ignore
these people OR we try to be everything for them.
