Watch, for the Bridegroom Is Near

“But while they went to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut.Later the others also came. ‘Lord! Lord!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’”(Matthew 25:10–12)

Jesus told the parable of the ten virgins when He was asked about the end times. To illustrate what the end of everything would be like, Jesus chose a story with two groups: the wise virgins and the foolish ones.

In this passage, the “virgins” are like the bridesmaids of a wedding—women invited by the bride to assist the groom. Some of them prepared themselves to wait a long time, while the others were negligent and did not prepare.

When the bridegroom arrived, he entered only with those who were ready. The rest were left outside the wedding banquet. In this way, Jesus taught that it would take time before He returned for His church and that many would not remain faithful because of negligence. But those who stand firm to the end will enter eternal glory.

Stand firm and do not give up!Set aside your distractions and everything that stands in the way of your faith.Share your troubles and difficulties with wise people.Hold fast to faith in Christ Jesus—He is your hope of eternal life.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, I thank You for the work You have done in saving my life for eternity. I ask You, Lord, not to delay in Your return—my afflictions are many. Help me to endure while I wait for You, for I want to be with You forever.In the name of Jesus, amen.