As the months went by Holly’s friends and family noticed the growing signs of her pregnancy and began to remark about it, but each time Holly would respond, “I’m not pregnant”.
Eventually, when she could no longer deny the truth Holly accepted the fact that she was indeed pregnant. However when her loved ones asked about her preparations for the upcoming birth, her reply would always be the same…”I’ve got time. I’ll be ready when the time comes.” Yet, Holly did nothing to get herself ready for the new addition to her family.
One night as she was driving alone, contractions came suddenly and powerfully. In short time Holly began to feel the baby coming, but there was no one around to help her.
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Do you know that many people regard God and His promises in the same way as Holly did? God, in His infinite love for us, always gives advance notice and warnings of what will happen so that we can be prepared.
He did it in the time of Noah, warning that he would send a flood because of the wickedness of the people. Noah listened to God and willingly prepared a huge boat – an ark – as God had instructed him. The people had never seen rain before, so they disregarded God’s warning and instead ridiculed Noah. It wasn’t until they began to feel the first drips of rain that they realized what God had promised did, in fact, come to pass! By that time it was too late, because Noah had already shut the door to the ark. The ones left outside the ark of safety died in the flood, because they chose not to heed God's Word!


Jesus used this parable as a lesson to us. He promised that He will return, but we don’t know how long it will take. The groom in the story is Jesus and the virgins are those who have accepted Him as their Savior, and are waiting for Him to return and take them to heaven. The oil represents the Holy Spirit who helps us to keep our relationship with the Father and Jesus Christ alive and vibrant.
It has been 2000 years since Jesus was resurrected and went back to the Father. He has gone to prepare a place for His bride. There are some who are like Holly was at first...denying the truth. They still deny that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and the only way to the Father and to heaven.
Some have accepted Him as their Savior, and continue to cultivate a vibrant relationship with Him with the help of the Holy Spirit. They have enough "oil" to last until whenever the Bridegroom comes.
However, too many, having professed Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, have become lukewarm and lazy. Like the foolish virgins, they look the part outwardly. They go to church, and may even be involved in works of ministry. Sadly, for many, this is only an outward form of godliness, but lacking that passionate love for Jesus. Their "oil" has run out!
Life as you and I know it will end in one of two ways…either through our death or when Jesus returns. Everything that God has promised in His Word will come to fruition, regardless of how long it takes. His Word never fails.
ARE YOU READY?
Yes, I am ready, but we must share the good news with others!
ReplyDeleteThis article is so important. I was like that once. Kept saying I wanted to be saved and get baptized and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. I always loved the Lord but kept putting it off. One day something happened to change my life which drew me close to GOD in a mighty way. Although it was a very painful time in my life I thank GOD for that experience. Had it not been for that I might still be out in the world today. Thank you for this article. I hope this reaches millions and millions of people
ReplyDeleteThese thoughts are much needed today probably more than ever. Thank you for the reminder. I know it will cause many to stop and think about it. And thanks for the comment you left on my blog.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
YES Amen!!! This is so important and I'm so glad I read it today. I will definitely be sharing it because people need to read this.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Celi
Wonderful! Yes... I'm ready and every day I wake up, hand my day over to Him and say I'm ready. Without doing so, I'm certain my human condition would make me slip into laziness.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely week!
xoxo
Hi, Audrey:
ReplyDeleteI'm your neighbor from Tell Me A True Story. Your post is beautiful and captivating. Your strong message of taking the Good News seriously comes forth powerfully clear and is so pertinent to Holy Week (and any week!)
Wow...this is TRUTH! Great post, and needed reminder. Leaves me thinking about His return and what else I need to do. Thanks for sharing this encouragement at #RaRaLinkup today!
ReplyDeleteSuch truth! So ready! Thanks for sharing at Tues Talk
ReplyDeleteThere is so much denial in those with out Jesus. May eyes and ears be opened to the truth and realize they must prepare NOW. Thanks for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
ReplyDelete