American Baptist Women
of Wisconsin
Resolve
"God's kingdom is like ten young virgins who
took oil lamps and went and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five
were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but
no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps.
The bridegroom didn't show up when they expected him, and they fell
asleep.
"In the middle of the night someone yelled out,
'He's here! The bridegroom's here! Go out and greet him!"
"The ten virgins got up and got their lamps
ready. The silly virgins said to the smart one, 'Our lamps are going
out; lend us some of your oil.' "They answered, 'There might
not be enough to go around; go buy your own.' "They did, but
while they were out buying oil, the
bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone
into the wedding feast, the door was locked.
"Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones
showed up and knocked on the door,
saying, 'Master we're here. Let us in.' "He answered, 'Do I know
you? I don't think I know you.'
"So stay alert. You have no idea when he might
arrive."
Matthew 25:1-13
The Message Bible
Perhaps you are like me. I spent most of December
preparing for Christmas. There is the shopping, cleaning and baking.
But I was reminded that it was also a time to prepare for the coming
of the Messiah. Perhaps you've been thinking that Christmas has come
and
gone. The time of preparation is over.
In the parable of the virgins, the virgins were preparing
for the coming of the bridegroom.
But five were foolish and didn't plan on the lateness of the bridegroom.
They needed to buy more oil and missed him. The opportunity was gone.
We need to stay prepared not just for Christ's coming but so that
we can live the best possible lives for Christ. We need to nurture
our faith through prayer, Bible study, meditation and living in obedience.
Then we will be ready for the best and to do our best for Christ.
Did you make a New Year's resolution? It is never
to late to resolve to spend more time in prayer and Bible Study. You
might want to set aside a quiet time, a special place or try one of
the many different ways to pray. Maybe listening to praise music will
set the mood, or you might want to join a Bible study group. 2007
is a good year to begin.
Prayer: Heavenly Father we praise your name and give glory
to you. You know our weaknesses. Help us to want to draw near to you
and to keep our resolve in the coming months. Amen.
