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Excitement filled the air. The much-anticipated wedding was taking place that very night! There was a flurry of activities as the group of ladies scurried to make sure that all the needed preparations to receive the bridegroom were completed. Satisfied that everything was in order, they rushed off to await the bridegroom and his entourage. The ladies however, had to wait a long time before the bridegroom finally arrived. Unfortunately, of the ten virgins, only five succeeded in being invited for the wedding banquet. The other five were not allowed to join the celebrations as they had not been diligent enough in their preparations (Mt 25:1-13).
Jesus Christ, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, is coming! We do not know the actual date or time of His coming, for that knowledge resides only with God the Father (Mt 24:36). But we have been given full assurance that that day will come (2 Pet 3:9). The seemingly long wait is because of the grace and mercy of God, who “is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9, 10).
How do we then, as the church, go about preparing for the return of the King of kings? The answer can be found in the following verses: “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation'”. (Mk 16:15) “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Mt 24:14)
The Church is central to God’s missionary purpose. The Church is not a building. You and I are the Church! Let us respond to the heartbeat of God for everyone to come to repentance and be saved. John the Baptist was the first Herald who announced the coming of the Messiah. Many other faithful men and women followed suit. The baton has been passed on to our generation. And we have been granted extended time. The Lord is still waiting patiently for us to rise up, step out of our comfort zones and be the beautiful feet to bring good news to a world that needs the Lord Jesus.
