Daily Bread 2011 - Matthew 25
Daily Bread 2011 – Friday, February 4th, 2011 – Matthew 25:10-13
The Day and Hour Unknown
10 “But while they were on their way 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. 11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
What Does This Mean?
In response to the speculation about the “end times”, Jesus tells three parables in chapter 25 about being ready for His return. The first one about the 10 virgins, 5 who have prepared themselves for the bridegroom (this is a metaphor for Christ and the Church, which is often called the “bride of Christ”) to return.
The second one is about investing the gifts/talents God has given us to produce more of the same, as symbolized by the five “bags of gold”. And the final parable has to do with how we have reach out to the least of these, I.e. those on the margins of society.
In each case those who had heeded the advice of the bridegroom/master/king were prepared for His return. And those who weren’t met the consequences of their disobedience.
What Does This Mean For Us?
One of the defects of our human character is that we often “procrastinate”. Though we know what we are supposed to do we often say, “I will get to that tomorrow” This is true in practical matters in life, and also spiritual matters. We say, “I will clean up my act tomorrow”, or “I will really get more involved some day”.
While our ultimate readiness has been made secure by our faith in Christ, these parables remind us that once we become a believer we have been entrusted with the precious grace and gifts of God. As we wait for His return we can either use and realize these gifts or bury them. We can say like the wicked and lazy servant, “Well Jesus is going to come back when it is determined so it really doesn’t matter what I do!” Or, we can have the attitude of the good and faithful servant, who invested my time and talents for the sake of the kingdom.
Jesus, help us to do today what you would have us do while there is still time. Amen.
The Day and Hour Unknown
10 “But while they were on their way 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. 11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
What Does This Mean?
In response to the speculation about the “end times”, Jesus tells three parables in chapter 25 about being ready for His return. The first one about the 10 virgins, 5 who have prepared themselves for the bridegroom (this is a metaphor for Christ and the Church, which is often called the “bride of Christ”) to return.
The second one is about investing the gifts/talents God has given us to produce more of the same, as symbolized by the five “bags of gold”. And the final parable has to do with how we have reach out to the least of these, I.e. those on the margins of society.
In each case those who had heeded the advice of the bridegroom/master/king were prepared for His return. And those who weren’t met the consequences of their disobedience.
What Does This Mean For Us?
One of the defects of our human character is that we often “procrastinate”. Though we know what we are supposed to do we often say, “I will get to that tomorrow” This is true in practical matters in life, and also spiritual matters. We say, “I will clean up my act tomorrow”, or “I will really get more involved some day”.
While our ultimate readiness has been made secure by our faith in Christ, these parables remind us that once we become a believer we have been entrusted with the precious grace and gifts of God. As we wait for His return we can either use and realize these gifts or bury them. We can say like the wicked and lazy servant, “Well Jesus is going to come back when it is determined so it really doesn’t matter what I do!” Or, we can have the attitude of the good and faithful servant, who invested my time and talents for the sake of the kingdom.
Jesus, help us to do today what you would have us do while there is still time. Amen.
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