Rise Up and Pray

Bible Text: Matthew 25:1-13

When given an invitation to an event, the time, venue and sometimes dress code is made available. Likewise God has invited to the Second Coming of Christ. However we have not been given a time, all that reads on the invitation is Watch and Pray. This is very little information to work with. We are used to knowing when something is to happen so we can better prepare ourselves. But things are different in this case. We do not know the day or hour Christ shall come again. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:32)

The Ten virgins were waiting for the bridegroom. They had prepared, ready with their lamps, waiting for the arrival of the bridegroom. They fell asleep after a long wait and still no bridegroom. The wise ones had brought oil for the lamps but the foolish ones did not. When the bridegroom finally arrived they had run out of oil, the wise ones had extra oil but the foolish ones were found wanting.

So it is with the instructions we have been given. Watch, Be on guard, Be alert. We watch through obedience to the Word of God. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41) This alertness will keep us from falling. Watching is similar to a watchman of a house keeping close watch over the house for any suspicious activities. This obedience to the Word of God will keep us safe as we wait for the second coming of Christ. (James 1:25)

It is natural to grow weary of watching and waiting for someone. We may keep up the watching attitude for a while but soon to grow weary and distracted. As we pray, keeping a continuous link with God, He will strengthen us to keep watch for his second coming. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. I want to be like the wise virgins, help me to have enough oil for my lamp when you arrive. 

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.  

Amen!