Matthew 25:1-4 (TPT) [bible-link v=”Matthew+25%3A1-4&version=TPT” c=”light”]
“At the time my coming draws near, heaven’s kingdom realm can be compared to ten maidens who took their oil lamps and went outside to meet the bridegroom and his bride. Five of them were foolish and ill-prepared, for they took no extra oil for their lamps. Five of them were wise and sensible, for they took flasks of olive oil with their lamps.”
In this parable, the maidens who took extra oil for their lamps were considered wise. They determined to prepare themselves not only for the present, but also the future. Sadly, those who took no extra oil were seen as foolish and ill-prepared for the times that were ahead.
We live in uncertain times. Often, the only constant we face is change, and this can leave us feeling insecure about the future and anxious about what’s to come.
I believe Jesus is asking us to be as prepared as we can be, not only for the times we are in, but also those that are on the horizon.
How do we prepare for these times?
Personally, I’ve found the most effective way to do this is to prioritise my life around the unseen, rather than the seen and to make life choices in light of the eternal, rather than things that are temporal.
Let’s be people who fix our gaze on an eternal perspective. When He is genuinely the centre of our lives, He’ll lead us in how to prepare with wisdom and discernment for our present and our future.
