Watchful and Prepared

Hear the full audio of “Watchful and Prepared“

A sermon on Matthew 25:1-13
Last Sunday of the Church Year, 26 November 2017

Lamps need oil to give light. Such “common sense” seems to escape half of those who were chosen to accompany this Bridegroom into the wedding feast. All were chosen, each called to the task and equipped with a lamp for keeping their watch. But half appear to show up just for a good party, losing sight of their office and duty as light bearers.

Faith needs fuel to shine like it ought. The Word of the Gospel is plentiful oil for those with wisdom to procure it and use it according to its purpose. Five wise women know their lamp’s purpose. Do you? Gather your own supply as we watch in eager anticipation for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ…

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose 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, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

Matthew 25:1-13, NKJV