Ready-Living for Christ in Times of Crisis

06/05/24 – 06/09/24

Preparing for the End Times

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  06/08/24

Are you ready to meet the Lord?

Read Matthew 25:1-13.

If you’re not sure you’re prepared for the Lord’s return, Jesus has something to say to you today. In Matthew 25, we find a parable about a wedding feast and ten virgins who fell asleep waiting for the bridegroom to arrive with his procession. Five of the virgins were wise, and five were foolish. Five had oil in their lamps, and five did not. In the same way, some Christians will be ready for the Lord’s return, and some who profess the name of Christ will not be.

When we read this parable carefully, we ought to notice several things the wise and foolish virgins have in common. Both groups were invited. Both groups responded positively to the invitation. Both groups had affection toward the bridegroom. Both groups believed in His coming. Both groups fell asleep. But as soon as the bridegroom showed up, that’s when the similarities ended. Only one group was prepared for His coming.

The Bible tells us that at the end of history, there will be a great falling away. Many people who claim to know Christ will be revealed to be faithless. About those days Jesus warned, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:12-13).

Did you know that according to a recent report from the Barna Group, more than 64 percent of professing Christians said there are other ways to God besides Jesus Christ? How can that be when Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6)? He is the only way. In that same report, 44 percent of professing Christians actually said they believe Jesus sinned. Such a thing would be a total contradiction of God’s plan of salvation! How can a sinner save sinners?

These numbers tell me there are many people in the church today who are like the foolish virgins in Jesus’ parable. They are unprepared for His coming. If you’re not 100 percent sure you’re prepared for Jesus’ return, don’t wait another day! Commit yourself to the Lord fully, not just with words, but with your whole life.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to be alert for Your return. I want to be at work for Your Kingdom, leading others into Your Truth. Give me Your vision for eternity and help me to keep my eyes on You by the power of Your Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13).