Marge Knutson’s husband, Ernie, had finally agreed to join the church and was preparing for baptism during Lent. Pastor Hanson finished up the last catechism class by asking solemnly, “Baptism is a serious step. Are you prepared for it, Ernie?” “I think so,” Ernie replied. “Marge has been planning the party for weeks. She’s making all kinds of little appetizers and a big cake for all of our guests.” “I don’t mean that,” Pastor Hanson responded. “I mean, are you sure you’re ready to go through with this? Are you prepared spiritually?” “You betcha,” Ernie replied. “I’ve got a keg of beer and a case of whiskey.” I don’t think Ernie understood the true meaning of being prepared spiritually. Distinct as we are in relation to God’s ultimate design and purpose for us, it never fails to amaze me just how responsive God is throughout scripture, when we properly prepare, great things happen!
Long ago a Chinese man began his career making wooden bell stands for the huge bronze bells throughout China. These bronze bells were used in a very specific and important way. From notifying citizens of emergencies to ringing in the new year, the wooden bronze bell stand was very important to the culture. So, this man became prized and celebrated for making the best, most elaborate and enduring bell stands in the entire region. No other person could make the bell stand with such strength and beauty. His reputation grew vast, and his skill was in high demand. One day the celebrated woodcarver was asked, “Please tell us the secret of your success!” He replied: Long before I start making and carving the bell stand, I go into the forest to do the work before the work. I look at all of the hundreds of trees to find the ideal tree—already formed by God to become a bell stand. I look for the boughs of the tree to be massive, strong and already shaped. It takes a long time to find the right tree. But without doing the work before the work, I could not do what I have accomplished. All because of being prepared!
In reading and studying scripture, being prepared is one of the backbones to God’s ultimate will and purpose for each of us. We prepare ourselves to live and we even prepare ourselves when we die. For each of us, when an emergency arises, do we not learn quickly how it’s always a test to see if we are truly prepared or not as we thought! Then having our heavenly father with us, we learn that when we are not prepared for something, or so we think, He provides a way, the strength to endure, the faith to persevere, etc.
This morning, we are going to start our journey in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 25. This parable that Jesus tells us, is rather significant for several reasons, but foremost its an attempt on Jesus part to explain a very important principle to be prepared is not only important, but an absolute necessity. So starting in verse 1, I’ll paraphrase. Jesus is declaring another parable about the Kingdom of heaven. We have 10 virgins, or maidens who had lamps so they can see their way to meet the groom and to attend a party. Five of them were preidentified as foolish, as not being prepared for the journey ahead. So, the question is, what would happen if in fact they didn’t have enough oil in their lamps for the journey? Then, who would supply them with it? Would they force others to supply them with their needs and cause others unnecessary hardship? We will see how their values lived in the moment and not preparing for the future!
“Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep. 6 But at midnight there finally was a shout: ‘Behold, the groom! Come out to meet him.’” Here we have a very interesting affair. The groom was delayed for an unknown reason, yet all the maidens let their guard down per-say and became weary and drowsy waiting for the groom. Then, it was announced, the groom is coming.
Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 But the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’
Just as what was feared! There wasn’t enough to go around. The prudent or prepared maidens had enough for their journey, but not the foolish maidens. So, the foolish maidens dare to draw upon someone else to aid them in their demise, all because they did not prepare themselves, plus knowing they could buy for themselves some more oil, however, unknown to them at that time, not being prepared costed them dearly.
But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11 Yet later, the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour.
The foolish maidens learned quickly, they had no second chance. They lost their spot at the party, and were not only refused entry, but banished forever, all because they weren’t prepared to meet the groom. The groom here is Jesus’ friends, and the virgins or maidens, are the people, which includes you and me. You see, the maidens had great intent, didn’t they? They showed up, ready to meet Jesus, had their lamps, even waited long and hard, yet when the time came to meet the groom, Jesus, their lamp oil, their light, just wasn’t enough to make it. They tried to rekindle the flame near the end, but time slipped away too fast.
Friends, while we can’t control the comings and goings of God among us, Jesus tells us clearly, we can at least be prepared. Being prepared means for us to acknowledge that our greatest intents, most awesome works, the best sacrifices we make, is not enough to claim victory! Do you know how to be prepared friends? Listen to what God told Jeremiah, “Therefore, prepare yourself and arise, and speak to them all that I command you.” God told Jeremiah, he had to face the opposition of the iron pillars, all the disgruntled people and their evil ways by simply obeying and trusting in God.
Peters first epistle, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” And certainly, we remember the words of Jesus whom said it verbatim, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be.” Christ himself is coming for us, in His second coming, and is now preparing a place for us. Jesus didn’t wait, Jesus didn’t exclaim any other prognosis but simply to say, be prepared. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Being prepared means we don’t delay in opening the door, to let Jesus in.
Several centuries ago, a Japanese emperor commissioned an artist to paint a bird. A number of months passed, then several years, and still no painting was brought to the palace. Finally, the emperor became so exasperated that he went to the artist's home to demand an explanation. Instead of making excuses, the artist placed a blank canvas on the easel. In less than an hour, he completed a painting that was to become a brilliant masterpiece. When the emperor asked the reason for the delay, the artist showed him armloads of drawings of feathers, wings, heads, and feet. Then he explained that all of this research and study had been necessary before he could complete the painting.
In closing my friends, for some things, it my appear being prepared may not seem necessary, however, being prepared to meet God, being prepared to live eternally means we must be prepared in surrendering God first and foremost. If we don’t take care of our affairs now, we will not get a second chance! Despite popular belief, being prepared is not when we repent and confess our sins while having no intention of changing our ways. We do not have enough time today to dive fully into the aspect of being prepared, but let me leave you with what Joshua told the people of Israel not long after the death of Moses. Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: ‘From ancient times your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates River, namely, Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, and they served other gods. 3 Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the Euphrates River and led him through all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his descendants and gave him Isaac. “Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and do away with the gods which your fathers served beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served, which were beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
In other words, don’t wait. Be prepared and keep your lamps lit. Turn from sin, seek Christ first. Flee from lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Let us be prepared by Reading and studying Gods Word ; Pray to God in all things; Trusting God above all things; Obeying God throughout all things. If we lack something, don’t’ ignore it. That simple lacking could indeed mean there isn’t enough oil in the lamp to keep you on the journey. Even our greatest intentions will not save us friends. Only our genuine, true and real relationship with our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ will. The good news today, is NOT a message of “Do your best and be good enough,” but rather “Your best is never enough—but Jesus is. Amen.