And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ –
Matthew 25:6
Many people believe they are Christians but nothing in their life shows that they are looking forward to the return of Jesus. When you take a look at the world today, you will realize that Bible prophecies are being fulfilled, and that Christ is returning soon. But even if Christ should delay His coming, nobody knows when he or she will depart from this world. It is therefore absolutely important that we live our lives in constant anticipation of that Great Day.Matthew 25:6
In the parable of the ten bridesmaids, Jesus told the story of bridesmaids who were attending a wedding. Five were wise, and five were foolish. The five wise bridesmaids had oil in their lamps, while the five foolish ones did not. And when the cry went out that the bridegroom was coming, the five bridesmaids who were wise were ready to meet him. But the foolish bridesmaids were unprepared.
Jesus told this story to illustrate the importance of being always ready for His return. It is the earnest expectation of Christ’s return that inspires us to holiness and righteousness. Without this expectation and readiness, we will live just as the people of the world do: “Let’s eat and drink, tomorrow we die.”
If we are truly Christians, then the truth that Christ could come back at any time should dramatically impact the way you live. The Bible says, “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).
