February 8, 2017 - BE PREPARED

Day 39 - Leviticus 4-6 & Matthew 25:1-30

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose 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, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.   (Matthew 25:1-13 ESV)

The motto of the Boy Scouts is “Be prepared.” And that is what Jesus is saying to us in chapter 25. The children of St. Paul’s are often reminded to always, always, always, always, always stay close to your Jesus. By staying close to Jesus you will be prepared for the return of Jesus, the bridegroom, when He comes to usher you into the eternal marriage feast of heaven. And how do you go about staying close to Jesus?

● Daily prayer, Bible reading and meditation.

● Daily confession and repentance.

● Weekly hearing of the words – “Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

● Weekly fellowship in God’s house where His Word is heard.

● Weekly visits to the Communion table.

● Departing from God’s house in peace to serve the Lord.

Heavenly Father, please help me, in the midst of all of the distractions of life, to be prepared for the return of Your Son. Yes, keep me prepared as You feed my soul with Your means of grace.  In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor Dave Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf