Are you ready to meet Him?

Rev. Tetteh-Annoh Larbi | August 26, 2023 | Matthew 25:1-13

KEY VERSE:

But the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. Matthew 25:4

MESSAGE:

In the earlier chapter, Matthew 24, we learn about the coming of the kingdom of God and what we can expect as the time approaches. The theme of the end and the kingdom of God continues in Chapter 25 as well. In this chapter, Jesus told another parable, and again he likened the kingdom of Heaven to a marriage situation or event. God related with His people -the Jews, as his bride out of which many of the illustrations were to be likened to. The Jewish marriage has two main parts or is in two main stages; the Kiddushin and the Nisuin. To fully understand the parable of the ten virgins one must first understand the Jewish Marriage. (Please read on the subject matter)

In this parable, the virgins were to meet the bridegroom (not bridegrooms), signifying that they were expecting only one person to arrive. And they had taken their lamps, also meaning that it might have been at night, so they needed to light their paths. Also, the time the bridegroom will be arriving, none of the maidens knew. The Jewish wedding tradition includes a phase where the bridegroom comes to carry his bride in the night and goes to enjoy with his friends. The bride is not told the time this would happen and must always be prepared.

The characters of this parable are as follows: the bridegroom is the son of man and the bridesmaids of brides, are the church of God. In various places in scripture, we are told that the son of man will come like a thief in the night, and, the church is the bride of Christ. (Matthew 24:43, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Revelations 16:15). We are admonished to watch and expect His return.

FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE

Are you prepared for the return of Christ? Are you waiting in expectation for His arrival? Do you know what you must be doing while you wait? Re-evaluation your life and actions while you wait. For, He is coming soon at a time no one knows.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, help me to be mindful of your second coming, and to order my life in expectation of your arrival. May I live today to please you and know that tomorrow is not promised. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! ___________________________ DAILY word study: THE JEWISH MARRIAGE STAGES The parable of the Ten Virgins draws upon the cultural practices of Jewish marriage to convey its message. Let's examine the two main stages of Jewish marriage and how they relate to the parable in Matthew 25:1-13.

1. Betrothal (Kiddushin):

In ancient Jewish culture, the process of marriage consisted of two main stages. The first stage was betrothal, known as "Kiddushin." This was a legally binding engagement that involved the consent of both the groom and the bride's families. During this stage, a marriage contract was often drawn up, and a dowry might be given from the groom's family to the bride's family.

2. Wedding Feast (Nissuin):

The second stage of Jewish marriage was the wedding feast, referred to as "Nissuin." This stage typically took place sometime after the betrothal and involved a celebratory feast where the groom would come to the bride's house, often in a procession, to bring her to his home. The bride and groom would be officially married under the canopy (chuppah), and then the festive banquet would follow, often lasting for several days.

The parable emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant for the return of Christ. The oil symbolizes the state of one's heart and relationship with God. Being ready involves not only having faith but also living in obedience and maintaining an ongoing connection with God through prayer, study, and a vibrant relationship. The parable reminds us that being "wise" means actively cultivating our faith and readiness for the coming of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

Reflections

How can you ensure that you are spiritually prepared and vigilant for Christ's return? What practices and attitudes can you adopt to cultivate a heart that is ready and eagerly awaiting the Bridegroom's arrival?