Get Ready

June 28th, 2023

Get Ready
Author: Barb Barnhart, Preschool Coordinator
The Parables of Jesus - Part 4
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For the grace of God has appeared with salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works.

- Titus 2:11-14

Two weeks ago, I shook my head in wonder as I watched the local news media, Facebook, and Instagram posts, showing how people were preparing for a concert in Pittsburgh. It was a huge event with thousands of people ready, waiting for the gates to open, wearing the right clothes, and posting photos and captions, for an event that would only last a few hours.

Our society has a way of making the mundane amazing. Yet, as Christians, we have the most amazing event coming, the return of Jesus, and we often seem ambivalent about it. This event is not seen as newsworthy or, by earthly standards, worth being prepared for. We have to purposefully see the reality of Jesus’ second coming and the urgency of being ready while also helping others recognize the need to prepare for His return.

As you live out each day, are you prepared? Have you decided to purposefully love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?

On Sunday, Pastor Tim taught on the parable of the ten virgins. In this parable, Jesus answered the disciples' question, “What is the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus provided His answer in the form of a parable. He presented two groups of people. The first group consisted of five wise bridesmaids who brought lamps with extra oil and five foolish bridesmaids who brought lamps but did not bring any extra oil. One group was prepared, but the other group was not.

Which group are you a part of at this moment? Although we don’t know the date or time when Jesus will return, we do know that He will! This is a moment-by-moment decision, and each of us must continually ask ourselves the following questions: “Am I ready?” and “Am I living a holy life?”

We are not trying to live a holy life in order to earn salvation; living a holy life is a natural outgrowth of being saved by God’s grace and filled with His Spirit. In Hosea 6:6, the prophet shares what God wants from His children, “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.” God wants us to know Him. This relationship grows when we read His Word, pray, worship, and serve Him. It is what your life becomes as you purposefully live the holy life.

As you live out each day, are you prepared? Have you decided to purposefully love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Are you sharing this message with others so they may also be prepared for Jesus to return? People get ready; Jesus is coming!