The Midnight Cry: Are You Ready for the Bridegroom's Return?
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives in the Western world, it is all too easy to become complacent and lose sight of the most significant event awaiting us as believers—the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is not a distant event reserved for some far-off future; rather, it is a promise that could be fulfilled at any moment. As we look around at the state of the world and consider the signs of the times, it becomes increasingly clear that the midnight hour is upon us. It is time for the Church to awaken from its slumber, trim its lamps, and ensure that it has an ample supply of oil for the journey ahead.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus shares the parable of the ten virgins. In this parable, He likens the Kingdom of Heaven to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the Bridegroom. Five of them were wise, and five were foolish. The wise virgins took extra oil with them, while the foolish ones did not. As they waited for the Bridegroom's arrival, they all fell asleep.
At midnight, a cry rang out: "Here is the Bridegroom! Come out to meet Him!" In their excitement, the foolish virgins realized they did not have enough oil to keep their lamps burning. They asked the wise virgins for some of their oil, but the wise ones wisely replied, "No, lest there be not enough for us and you; but go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves."
While the foolish virgins went to buy more oil, the Bridegroom arrived, and the wise virgins went into the marriage feast with Him. When the foolish virgins returned, they knocked on the door, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us!" But the Bridegroom answered, "Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you."
This parable serves as a powerful warning for us today. It illustrates the need for vigilance, preparedness, and a constant supply of oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, in our lives as we await the return of Jesus.
And this is not the only example of the Lord rejecting some who profess to follow Him.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"
- Matthew 7:21-23
These solemn words serve as a stark reminder of the necessity to move beyond mere verbal professions of faith and instead prioritize a life of obedience to God's will, coupled with a profound and authentic relationship with Jesus. If we profess to follow Jesus, we must not practice evil (sin). It becomes evident that a superficial or nominal faith will not suffice; it is the depth of our daily walk with the Lord that replenishes the oil in our lamps, ensuring they burn brilliantly for His glory. As we continue to remain in Him, we are protected from the temptations of this world and are able to be in the center of His will for our lives.
The Danger of Lukewarm Christianity
In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus warns the church in Laodicea, saying, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." These words should shake us to our core.
Lukewarm Christianity is a perilous state where one's faith has grown cold, where the fervor of the first love has faded, and where spiritual complacency reigns. This state is precisely what the foolish virgins in the parable suffered from—they were unprepared, caught off guard, and ultimately left out.
Simply put: if you are lukewarm about Jesus, He assuredly does not like it and there will be dire consequences if you do not repent.
Being On Fire for Jesus
To avoid being among the lukewarm and unprepared, we must rekindle the fire of our love and devotion for Jesus Christ. The midnight cry is a wake-up call to be vigilant and ready. Here are some practical steps to ensure our lamps are burning brightly:
Seek Intimacy with God: Spend time daily in prayer, worship, and reading His Word. Cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.
Sincere Repentance: Examine your heart and confess any sins or areas of compromise. Repentance purifies our hearts before the Lord and allows sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading.
Active Participation in the Church: Be an active member of the Body of Christ. Engage in fellowship, serve, and support one another in the faith.
Share the Gospel: Actively share the good news of Jesus with others. Be a light in a dark world, leading others to salvation.
Watch and Pray: Stay alert to the signs of the times and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Be ready for the imminent return of Jesus.
Conclusion
The midnight hour is upon us, and the cry, "Behold, the Bridegroom is coming!" is drawing nearer. In these uncertain times, it is crucial for the Church to be on fire for Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, and prepared for His return. Let us heed the warning of the parable of the ten virgins and the rebuke to the lukewarm church in Laodicea. Let our lamps burn brightly with the oil of the Spirit as we eagerly await the return of our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. May we be found faithful, ready, and joyfully welcomed into the eternal wedding feast when He comes for His Bride (the Church).