In the park this weekend, there were cockatiels nestling on the trees. Each couple was seriously engaged in grooming. Soft, fluffy white feathers floated beneath the huge tree were myriads of these huge birds perched themselves. Their grooming song was loud and cheerful, like a chorus of African singers, welcoming the soon to be wed bride.
There is so much preparation that goes into a wedding. In some cultures, people prepare not just months but years in advance for that splendid event. The parable of the ten virgins illustrates the point of bridal preparation and grooming – read Matthew 25:1-13. It seems like a long time to wait for that eventful day, but it eventually does come.
When we are waiting, we need to be well prepared and properly groomed. Nobody wants to miss such an important ceremony. In the Biblical narrative, five virgins were fully prepared and five were not. Sadly, when the time came for the bridegroom’s triumphant appearance, the five foolish virgins missed that moment. Their lamps were not groomed and they had to go out to buy oil for it.
We worry so much about trivial things in life and spend much time on it. Sadly, the most important things are brushed aside and put into the ‘to do box’. Is that a wise decision?
John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ, had just one message in Matthew 3:2 – “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” When Jesus ascended to heaven, His message in John 14:1-3 was that He was going back to His Father in heaven. However, He reassured His followers that He would come back for them. He told them that in His Father’s house, there are many mansions and He is going to prepare a place for all His followers. Jesus, the Bridegroom will come again for His ‘Bride’ and there will be a great wedding feast in heaven – Revelation 19:6-8.
Are we preparing ourselves for that glorious day? Is it well with our souls? Listen to this song – it is well with my soul.◊
Linda Pearl
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