9th Jul 2026

“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 ‭25‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Jesus is coming back. There is no greater truth than this. But when He comes, will you be prepared to meet Him?

This parable emphasizes the importance of staying alert and awake in the Spirit as we wait for our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. He is coming to take His bride to the eternal wedding feast, where we will be with Him forever.

The evidence of readiness to enter the wedding feast was a burning lamp. The day and hour of the Bridegroom’s arrival were unknown to everyone, yet that uncertainty did not affect the wise virgins. They remained prepared, keeping their lamps burning and carrying extra oil. Because they were ready, they entered the wedding feast. The foolish virgins, however, lost the opportunity of a lifetime because they were careless, unprepared, and failed to discern the season.

When the foolish virgins knocked on the door, the Bridegroom replied, “I do not know you.” There is no greater rejection than to hear those words from Jesus Christ. The painful reality is that they were invited to participate in the wedding feast, yet they forfeited that eternal privilege because they were spiritually negligent and unprepared. No one could share their oil with them or bring them into the feast. There is only one opportunity to meet our King and spend eternity with Him. Once that door is shut, it will never be opened again. What is lost on that day is not merely a moment, but an eternity with Christ.

The oil in this parable points to a genuine faith, an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, and a life continually sustained by the Holy Spirit. This is deeply personal and cannot be borrowed, shared, or transferred by anyone. Our readiness is not earned by our own strength but is the fruit of a life surrendered to Jesus Christ and continually filled with His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to stand firm in faith, believe in Christ, live a life of holiness, and remain prepared for the kingdom of God.

The day we meet Him will determine where we belong—outside the shut door or seated at the wedding table with Jesus.

The Bridegroom has not yet arrived. Today the door is still open, His invitation still stands, and His grace is still available to all who will prepare their hearts. Do not delay. Be ready, for when the Bridegroom comes, those who are prepared will enter into everlasting joy with Him.

Every achievement, possession, and earthly success loses its value if we are not seated at the table with Jesus. Make every effort to keep your oil burning through prayer, the Word of God, obedience, repentance, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Do not allow anything or anyone to drain, distract, or waste your oil. Your oil is yours. Keep it safe. Keep it precious. Keep it burning until you meet your Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that Jesus is coming again. Help us to remain watchful, faithful, and filled with the Holy Spirit each day. Keep our lamps burning brightly and our hearts fully devoted to You. May we be found ready and hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Keep us steadfast until we sit at Your table and rejoice with You forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.