Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Don’t Be Left Out – The Vault

October 11, 2022/in Week 1, Bible Study

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I used to do a lot of bowhunting. Whenever I went on a hunt, I would carefully prepare my supplies, making sure I had a good scent blocker, backup arrows, at least two deer calls, two flashlights with extra batteries, snacks, coffee, water, and all my other assorted gear. The last thing I wanted was to be given the opportunity to take the buck of a lifetime and miss it because I wasn’t prepared. I didn’t want to look foolish.

Last weekend, we began a new series called The Vault and learned about the “Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids.”

Matthew 25:1-2

1 “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.”

I want to discuss the foolish ones. Unlike when I would go hunting, these five bridesmaids were not prepared. How did it work out for them?

Matthew 25:3

“The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps.”

Please take the time to read the full parable in Matthew 25:1-12, but here’s a quick recap: As it turned out, the bridegroom was delayed, so the bridesmaids grew weary and fell asleep. Around midnight, they were awakened by loud shouting that the bridegroom was coming, and they were to go out to meet him. All ten bridesmaids began to frantically prepare their lamps with oil, but the five foolish ones’ lamps were going out because they did not have enough. They had no choice but to go find more oil. While they were gone, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready followed him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked behind them. When the foolish bridesmaids returned, they stood outside calling to the bridegroom for the door to be opened.

Matthew 25:12

“But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’”

Let’s take a moment to examine the moral of this parable. If you’re like me, your ultimate goal in this life is to eventually enter the Kingdom of Heaven. But how do we get there? By preparing wisely!

How? By putting our faith in Christ, growing our relationship with God, and making choices that honor him.

1 Timothy 4:8

“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but we can definitely face it more assuredly if we are prepared for it. The difference is in how we prepare: The foolish man thinks on his own and prepares by focusing on what he thinks is important, or maybe doesn’t prepare at all. The wise man seeks guidance from God and prepares based on what God says is important.

Someday we will all face that moment in the future, and I for one want to feast at the table. I do not want to hear the words, “Believe me, I don’t know you.”

Questions:

How are you preparing for the future?

Are you like the wise bridesmaids or are you at risk of being left out?

Next Steps:

Dig deeper into God’s word to get a better understanding of how he wants you to prepare for your future.

Find a Group of people who will support you in your journey.

Prayer:

Father in heaven, I desire to dwell in your house someday. Give me wisdom and guidance to not be like the foolish bridesmaids but, instead, plan wisely for my everlasting future with you. Help me to put aside the distractions of this world and always seek you first. Amen.