Scriptural Foundation:
Matthew 25:1-13 New King James Version (NKJV)
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Reflection:
My husband and I have been together over fourteen years. As I dragged out our Christmas tots this year, I noticed yet again our “good” china still stacked up in moving boxes tucked in the back of the basement closet. I asked myself, what is the point of china when we don’t use it?
I remembered the joy when registering for wedding gifts, one of the musts, was china. My husband and I like to host, but not in the formal way as to require china, but since it a something people register for when they get married, I signed us up. Our family and friends were very generous with the gifts that were given and every piece of china we asked for we received.
Fast forward till now, we have moved twice and have hosted dozens of times over the years, but there hasn’t been an occasion (even Aunt Bunny’s 90th birthday party) that we pulled out this precious china. So again…what is the point of china?
In our foundational scriptures, there were ten virgins awaiting the arrival of the Bridegroom. Five of them, stayed vigilant and prepared during the waiting period, while the other five got caught up in the day-to-day activities of life. The Bridegroom came unexpectedly and the virgins that were ready, were the ones taken to the wedding.
The Lord, revealed to me the parallel between our wedding gifts and the anointing that is given to all Believers through the Holy Spirit. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, at that moment, the predestined plan of God is activated in our lives.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. – Romans 8:28-30
We have an obligation as vessels of the Lord to keep the oil of the anointing pure and fresh within us. Although, we may not feel like we are making a difference in the lives of those around us; if we stay vigilant in our daily prayer/devotional time, when the time arrives, and we are called upon by the Lord, we will be ready.
Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. – 2 Timothy 2:19-21
I have purposed in my heart, in the upcoming year, to use our wedding china. There is no better time than the present to prepare for the coming of the Lord. A formal gathering, to love on our family and friends independent of a calendar special day, is as unexpected as the arrival of the Bridegroom. As we gather around the table this Christmas, remember the true reason for the season about all else.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- Have you been putting off something in your life, waiting for the perfect moment?
- What is your hesitation?
- Has the Lord put on your heart a family member or friend this holiday season?
- What is stopping you from reaching out?
- What changes do you need to make in the new year to put you in a better position to hear from the Lord.
- What are you willing to sacrifice to reach that goal?