God is the One with the Plan

In review of Matthew 25:13 it says, “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.”

Today's verse comes from the first part of Matthew chapter 25. In this section, Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids.

Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. It turns out five of them were foolish, whereas the other five were wise. The foolish ones didn't plan or prepare well. As a result they didn't bring enough olive oil for their lamps. The wise ones were wise and even prepared by taking along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

At midnight they were roused by a shout saying, look, the bridegroom is coming. Come out and meet him!.  All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. The five foolish ones asked the wises ones to please give them some of their oil because their lamps were going out. However the others replied, "we don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves."

But while they were off buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five returned, they stood outside, calling "Lord, Lord! Open the door for us!"  But he called back, "believe me, I don't know you!" So we too, must keep watch. For we will not know the day or hour of Christ’s return.

In this parable, I see the bridesmaids representing all of us. Those who are wise, will prepare properly for the groom, having even extra oil if needed.  Those who were foolish, didn’t really prepare. They only half heartedly prepared and when a delay came they were left lacking.  

The wise in this parable accepted and took actions to be ready for the bridegroom (Jesus) to return. They anticipated a delay and took preparations to be ready at anytime.  The foolish on the other hand will think, things will just work out ok, and not plan for the unexpected nor be ready.  

So when the end comes unexpectedly, the foolish won't be ready. They will plead with the groom to let them in. But by then it's too late. All the pleading with those who are prepared and with the Lord will not work.

Jesus leaves all of us, including me, with the warning that we must keep watch!  We will never know the day or hour of his return. I must be ready to give an account of how I stewarded what he entrusted me with. When the time comes, there will be no course corrections of fixes I can make.

It’s inevitable, whenever I take great efforts to plan for an event to have stumbling blocks get in the way of all that I had planned. God’s Word reminds me, Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.

This morning Lord, I ask you to help me to understand that I am not in control. You have a well-planned journey that will bring me closer to You. I look forward to the day when I meet You face to face. Please guide me until that day so that I can be a faithful servant for Your kingdom here on earth. In Jesus’ name.

Bottom Line:

God is the One with the Plan

What this means to me:

I should pay careful attention to Jesus’ advice to keep watch (that is, to be prepared) because I will not know the day or hour of His return. Preparation on my part requires an active relationship with Him and a life of faith and obedience.