Watching and Serving

Like all of us, Jesus' disciples wanted to know what would happen in the future - and they begin to ask him questions. Of course, they were expecting him to come in power on earth right there in Jerusalem as "king or ruler." As they were asking for a "sign" and when the end of the age would be, Jesus begins to tell them about His return. He explains that his return will be as lightening that comes from the east and is visible even in the west.

Jesus tells them to remain watchful - that no one knows the day or hour . . . except the Father. It will be sudden and swift. Therefore, we are to keep watch. The Boy Scouts have a motto that says Be Prepared. A wise admonition. Trying to explain his return, Jesus gives the disciples several parables, one of which is of the Ten Virgins (or Bridesmaids.)

Everyone loves a wedding (well, except most husbands). We love to be included in the festivities - to be invited to the engagement parties and showers. And oh, to be a bridesmaid! Do you remember when you served as a bridesmaid? D. A. Carson in the Expositor's Bible Commentary describes a first-century Jewish wedding this way: Normally the bridegroom with some close friends left his home to go to the bride's home, where there were various ceremonies, followed by a procession through the streets - after nightfall - to his home. . . Everyone in the procession was expected to carry his or her own torch. Those without a torch would be assumed to be party crashers or even brigands . . . The torch was either a lamp with a small oil tank and wick or a stick with a rag soaked in oil on the end of it which would require occasional re-soaking to maintain the flame.

Five of the bridesmaids were prepared - five were not. The five wise bridesmaids probably carried an extra cruse of oil to refill their lamps. They knew that a long night was coming and did not know when the groom would appear. They needed enough fuel to last until the morning. They needed to be prepared and to be ready for the groom's appearance. We need that as well. This parable could also tell us to be prepared in our lives for burn out. Do you get weary in well-doing? How can we avoid that? By feasting on the Word of God and asking God to fill us with the Spirit daily. Then, when night or "trouble" comes, we are ready and suited up with the full armor of God.

The verses in Matthew 25:35-40 are very special to me. They were used as part of the scripture at my father's funeral. He was a kind and godly man and lived his life helping others in many different ways - visiting the sick, taking food to the hungry, sharing with strangers, helping the needy. Every Christmas when I was growing up, he found a needy family in our community (this was before the lists from DFACS). My mother baked a ham, bought bags of oranges and apples, staples, clothes, and toys. Then as a family we delivered these items just before Christmas. In my mind's eye, I can still picture the children and remember the homes where we visited. A lesson well learned.

Let us never forget the cup of cold water that we offer to others - we offer to Christ as well.