We must be ready

The Word of God must be our main book, which we must study hard to know God more and more, and in the Bible we find stories for each situation and in addition, our Lord Jesus also left us parables that can make us reflect on the days of the end, for example, the parable of the ten virgins.

The Bible is not just a historical book or a collection of moral teachings; it is the living Word of God that guides, corrects, and prepares us for what is to come. Through its pages, God reveals His will, His promises, and also His warnings. Jesus Himself frequently used parables to teach deep spiritual truths in a simple way, allowing those who truly desired understanding to reflect and apply them to their lives. One of the most powerful parables related to preparation and vigilance is found in Matthew chapter 25.

Matthew 25 tells us about 10 virgins, five wise and five foolish. These ten virgins had something in common, all of them was waiting for the husband, the problem is that only five understood that the husband would really come.

This detail is very important, because all ten virgins had an expectation, but not all had the same level of commitment. The wise virgins did not only say they were waiting; they acted according to that belief. They prepared themselves in advance, understanding that the wait could be long and that the moment of the bridegroom’s arrival would be decisive. The foolish virgins, on the other hand, were careless. They assumed there would be time later to fix what they neglected.

Moving this parable to our days is something very favorable, since these two groups exist within our churches and the big question is: Are we really waiting for the Lord? Many would say yes, but this goes beyond a simple yes, in short, is our lamp full of oil for us to receive the Lord?

Waiting for the Lord is not a passive act. It involves a daily life of faith, obedience, repentance, and spiritual growth. The oil in the lamps represents a living relationship with God, nourished through prayer, the study of Scripture, and a sincere walk in holiness. It is possible to attend church, speak Christian language, and even appear religious, yet still lack the oil that sustains the lamp in the darkest hour.

We must be prepared, because Jesus ends this parable by saying:

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 25:10-13

These words of Jesus are strong and should lead us to deep self-examination. Once the door was shut, there was no second opportunity. This teaches us that the time of preparation is now, not later. There will come a moment when decisions are final, and excuses will no longer matter. The tragedy of the foolish virgins was not ignorance, but negligence.

We must understand that Christianity is something serious. The foolish virgins were supposedly waiting for the husband, but they were not prepared to receive him. In the same way, we must understand that we do not know the day or the hour in which the Son of God is to come, therefore, we must be prepared, seeking God with all our heart, so that His coming does not surprise us.

Being prepared means living each day as if Christ could return at any moment. It means guarding our faith, persevering in obedience, and keeping our spiritual lamp burning. May this parable awaken in us a sincere desire to seek God more deeply, so that when the Bridegroom comes, we may be found ready and enter with Him into eternal joy.