BEING WATCHFUL DURING THE WAITING PERIOD

Jesus once told a parable about ten virgins waiting for the arrival of the bridegroom. Five of them were called wise because they brought oil supplies for their lamps. The other five were called foolish because they did not prepare extra oil. When the bridegroom came in the middle of the night, the lamps of the five wise virgins remained lit, but the lamps of the five foolish virgins began to go out.

The oil in the lamps symbolizes the spiritual life that needs to be maintained. The wise person keeps their faith burning through prayer, the word of God, and obedient living. They do not procrastinate in living righteously because they know that the Lord can come at any time. On the other hand, the person who is not watchful often feels like there is still plenty of time. They postpone repentance and do not maintain their relationship with the Lord. When the time comes, they are not ready.

This parable reminds us of the waiting period for the second coming of Christ. No one knows when the time will come. Therefore, it is not just about waiting, but waiting with a prepared heart. Anticipating the coming of Christ is not a passive attitude. It is a life full of faithfulness every day. Every prayer, every obedience, and every act of love we do is like adding oil to our lamps.

Let us live like the five wise virgins, who remain faithful and watchful. When Christ comes again, we will be ready to welcome Him with joy. --TMN/www.renunganharian.net