In life we are sure to face unexpected twists and turns, so how can we prepare ourselves to face whatever comes our way? Jesus gives us some insight with three parables about the end of the age in Matthew 25 that work in everyday life today. The lesson of the first parable-the parable of the ten virgins focuses on preparedness. But how can we prepare when no one knows when the end will come? Jesus' story tells us to keep our lamps full of oil. In the Bible "oil" is often seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. So preparedness doesn't depend on our ability to stockpile weapons or prepare the appropriate rations, preparedness is filling up our lives with God's Spirit now. That way, no matter what happens in life, we will be prepared.
Jesus' second parable in Matthew 25 grows on the theme of preparedness and helps us understand what it means to "watch" while we "wait" on the return of the Lord. "Watching" is actually "going to work" for the Lord with our time, talent, and treasure. In Jesus' third parable about the end he emphasizes judgement day. As he does so he explains what it means to be faithful in using your time, talent, and treasure. Jesus wants us to be faithful in helping others.
From these three parables we see a picture of the Christian life in light of the end of the age. Jesus wants us to prepare by inviting the presence of God into our daily existence. He wants us to go to work with our time, talent, and treasure. And he wants us to be faithful by serving those who are experiencing great need. The end of the age is coming, Jesus promised! But what does that mean to me today? Should I sell my house and move to a mountain top to wait for the Lord's return, not if I'm following the teaching of Jesus. Instead, be prepared, go to work, and be faithful.
Have a great week. Tom Ragsdell
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