Matthew 25:1-13

It occurred to me today that all the virgins believed the bridegroom was coming. We’re not talking about believers and non-believers. The difference was between those who did something about their belief and those who didn’t.

A.W. Tozer said a preacher can preach the Truth, but if it doesn’t “alarm, arouse, challenge” the hearer, he might as well be teaching the multiplication table. Those are truth, too. (from Mornings with Tozer daily devotional readings; complied by Gerald B. Smith; Moody Publishers, 1991, 2008; see July 26)

This parable teaches belief is not enough. We know the demons believe and they shutter. (James 2:19)

The question isn’t, “do I believe?” but rather, “am I living as though I believe?” I have to ask myself if my choices, my words, my attitudes reflect the fact that I believe Jesus is the Son of God who loves me, died in my place and rose again so that my sins can be forgiven, AND that that same Jesus is coming again.

Am I ready? Are you? Because this parable is also a warning to people who believe but haven’t let that belief change them.

Paul says in Romans 10:9-10 that if we believe and confess, we are saved. To confess means to speak the words from our hearts. But throughout Scripture we are told that we also confess Jesus by our actions. James says our faith in Jesus is dead without a life that backs it up by what we do.

I’m going to ask again, are you ready? Jesus is coming again. Life on Earth is coming to a close. And once the Bridegroom (Jesus) comes it will be too late to get ready. The sad end for those virgins who believed but who must have felt they had plenty of time to do something about their belief, was a closed Door. Hearing the words: “I never new you” will be the most devastating four words anyone will ever hear.

Let’s get ready. Let’s confess with our mouths and our life choices that Jesus is the LORD of our lives. Let’s do the work so that when – not if – He returns, He will welcome us into our eternal home, where our belief will be sight!