“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. Matthew 25:6-10
It has been said that luck is opportunity meeting preparation. For me, luck is opportunity intersecting with preparation at the boulevard of readiness. At times individuals can be prepared to do something but when the opportunity is presented to them, they are not ready to take hold of it. Readiness is a mindset of determination and anticipation that is complimented by our talents.
One of my favorite movies of all time is a 1993 biographical sports film named “Rudy”. It is an account of the life of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who harbored dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame despite the fact he lacked the grades and money to attend the prestigious Notre Dame. Rudy was also small in stature and did not have the talent level to play in such a high-profile college football team. Following High School, Rudy worked at a steel mill with his father. But after the accidental death of his best friend Pete in a mill explosion, Rudy decided to follow his dream of playing football at Notre Dame. Rudy enrolled at Holy Cross College which is near Notre Dame. He overcame homelessness while attending Holy Cross College and was rejected by Notre Dame three times, but he did not give up. He was finally admitted and attended football tryouts in the hope of making the team as a “walk-on.” Eventually, Rudy was accepted into the football team.
Rudy’s persistence teaches us to be ready for the opportunities we covet. Without readiness, a golden opportunity can become a wasted effort or a frustrating experience. Even though Rudy made the team, he was not allowed to play in any game, yet he stayed ready. But during the final game of the season, the coach was pressured by the team and the fans to let Rudy play. When Rudy entered the game in the fourth quarter, he sacked the quarterback of Georgia Tech and was the only player who was ever carried off the field on his teammates’ shoulders to cheers from the stadium since 1975.
The parable of the wise and foolish virgins speaks specifically to the spirit of readiness believers should cultivate. The wise virgins kept oil in their lamps while waiting for the bridegroom because they wanted to be ready when he came to meet them at the midnight hour. The foolish maiden did not keep oil in their lamp because they assumed they would have time to add the oil later.
Missed opportunities may never come back around. We cannot assume we will have another shot at doing something. It takes more than desire and talent to achieve one’s dream. One must remain in a state of readiness in anticipation of an opportunity to fulfill a dream. Many prayers are answered by God, but because the petitioner is not ready to manage the blessing from God. I have asked God for many things I did not get because I was ready for them.
Jesus used the parable of the ten virgins to teach His disciples to remain ready for His second coming. Believers should live in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ and be ready to be caught up in the rapture. We must prioritize His great commission work and be ready to give account for our service to His kingdom. Our readiness comes through fervency in prayer, steadfastness in studying His Holy Word, and the pursuit of holiness. Despite the delay in His return, Jesus is coming back, for certain. Will you be ready when He comes?
Questions for Personal Reflection
What do you need to do to be ready for the rapture?
How is God calling you to help someone else get ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, thank you for sending your son Jesus for my redemption. Please help me to remain spiritually ready for the rapture. May your Holy Spirit continue to order my steps so I will remain hidden in God with Christ until the day you call me from labor to reward. Amen.
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