Preparedness…

Preparedness…

20/20 has caught a number of our friends and neighbors in ways that no one would have dreamt of even in February of this year. As we see another year coming to a close what do we see just ahead? What’s in the cupboard, what’s in the closet, what’s in the pantry and, most importantly, what’s in our heart and mind?

We see that we are to be prepared, at all times, for the coming of the Lord. Remember the bridesmaids and the oil lamps?

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ ~Matthew 25:1-6 NKJB

Of course this parable is not about “preparedness”…or is it? We find a multitude of views in most of the parables Jesus Christ presented, so preparedness, is absolutely part of the lesson, it’s just not the main focus of the lesson…or is it!

How many of us prayed for toilet paper, disinfecting wipes or some other nothing product that we had not stocked properly? How many of us thought tomorrow would be exactly the same as today and yesterday instead of embracing the fact that change is the only constant in our entire life – throughout our lifetime, change is the only constant? How many of us have been shaken awake in a way that makes us uncomfortable; makes us think about subjects and topics we would rather not discuss, especially in polite company?

Well, get over it. If you have been awakened, welcome. Seeing that more oil is needed for the lamp than just the next couple of hours is probably good for us all. Seeing that our Lord could come in the drop-of-a-hat is what He has taught us our entire Christian life – why did we forget this extremely important lesson? Should we not be preparing for the coming of our God, our Lord and Savior every day, every moment?

Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. ~Matthew 25:7-10 NKJB

Seems pretty clear. Which side of the door do we wish to find ourselves? What if the market is closed, shelves barren and nothing is left – nothing to burn, nothing to gather – at all, then what?

“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. ~Matthew 25:11-13

Why wouldn’t we conduct every aspect of our life in this manner? Why would Jesus Christ spend so much time on this subject of preparedness? This is not the only place where being prepared is discussed. Once again, it’s not a parable about being prepared…or is it. Jesus just happens to use preparedness as the basis of the story.

“Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” ~Revelation 16:15 NKJB

Either the Gospel is the divine Word of God teaching us how to live and how to be a reflection of Him, or it’s nothing more than a historical account of events.