Listen

"And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

Matthew 25:10-13

Think

There might be some consequences for missing chances to live into the Kingdom of God, but we can also trust in God’s grace and forgiveness. So what is the sense of urgency about?

Even with long and full lives (may it be so!), we only have so many opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. The Kingdom has already drawn near through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and God’s desire for healing, peace, and reconciliation for this broken world will come about, whether we help out or not. And yet, our Christian calling is to take part in God’s will for family, friend, and stranger to our fullest capability. We are called to take part in the Kingdom of Heaven, right here, right now!

Perhaps to be Christian, then, is to practice being ready, to fail and succeed in following the Jesus way, and to find out that all of those dress rehearsals for the Kingdom were, in fact, the show!

Jonathan Chesney

Pray

God, help me feel the urgency of being ready to follow Jesus when I can, because our world so badly needs people who live, love, serve, and share. Thank you for forgiving me when I mess up and for catching me each time I fall. I trust that each time I love as you have loved me, heaven is here on earth. Amen.

Go

Life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who journey the way with us.

So be swift to love and make haste to be kind.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always.