Discovery Journal

Mike B. - November 26, 2010

Scripture:

Matthew 25:10 But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet . And the door was shut.

Observation:

Jesus used many parables in His teachings to help us understand His message. It often helps to get your point across when you can relate day to day stories to someone and help them understand the concept. This parable taught about the preparation for Christ's return, and our need to be ready now.

Application:

I am a procrastinator. There is always time to do it tomorrow. Let's do something else today. It's a bad habit. This is what Jesus was speaking of. Jesus is going to return someday. But, we have to be prepared for His return today. When He returns, it will be a total surprise and there will be no time to prepare. We can choose not to read the Word, not go to church service, not to give our time in service to God. There is plenty of time to do that tomorrow, right? But what if Jesus returns tonight? Will we be scrambling to go buy more oil as the virgins in the parable did, and then find the door closed? I need to always find time to read my Bible and keep myself close to the Lord so that my lamp is not dry when He returns.

Prayer:

Lord, I want to be ready when You return. I don't want my lamp to be without oil. Help me to be ready. Help me to prepare. Reveal to me, Lord, the things and areas in my life that I need to improve and/or change. Help me to be the Christian man that You want me to be. Please protect me from the lies and schemes that distract me from being in Your presence.