Our family owns a dog. When he knows we’re home you can find him staring back and forth between the kitchen window (nearest his pen) and the sliding glass door. He’s eagerly awaiting with expectation and in anticipation of his next meal. Weeks ago, our state was slated for a direct hit by Hurricane Irma. In the weeks leading up to her arrival, the citizens of South Carolina could be found combing grocery shelves for bottled water, batteries, and more. This was all done in expectation of the storms landing. In early September, I was approached by a group of well-meaning Christians warning me of the coming of Christ. This ideal is not foreign to me. What was foreign was their adamant predictions of His return on September 23rd, 2017. Their projections were based on facts they surmised by twisting scripture paired with modern day happenings and natural disasters around us. Sadly, many in the Christian world were touting this same information as articles were published in a well-known Christian magazine. In each situation mentioned above there was a level of expectancy that drove many to prepare and anticipate something specific.
Matthew 25 reveals a well-known parable about ten virgins who were going out to meet the bridegroom. “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. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” [vs. 6-13] Truthfully, I wasn’t concerned with Hurricane Irma because I was prepared and ready for her. My dog doesn’t seem concerned whether he’ll eat because routine has taught him my presence means mealtime isn’t far behind. I wasn’t concerned with Christ’s projected return September 23rd because I keep myself ready. Our level of expectancy should be the driving factor in our preparedness.
Closing remarks and encouragement: What are you waiting for? A new job? Be faithful in what has placed before you now until your ‘next’ comes along. Are you waiting on God to send you Mr./Mrs. Right? Work on you during your waiting season. What do you wait in expectation of today? How are you using your waiting period? Being lazy isn’t a valid option. The bridegroom may not come today…. or even tomorrow. But His arrival is imminent. Be ready. Stay ready!
Have a blessed week, my friends!