Are you spiritually ready
English: By Rembrandt. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Matthew 25:1–13 “When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps” ( vv. 3–4 ). The story of the faithful and wise servant in Matthew 24:45–51 tells us to be ready in case Jesus comes sooner than we have anticipated. The faithless servant boldly sins, believing he can put off changing his ways because he thinks his master will be long in coming ( Matt. 24:48–51 ). A wise servant, however, does not delay his duties since he does not know when his master will return, and he refuses to be caught unawares. He does not put off loving service to his master because today might be his last chance to do what is right. Yet the parable in Matthew 25:1–13 exhorts us to be ready if Christ delays longer than we expect. The story is based on a Near Eastern wedding, a scenario familiar to His original audience. After nuptials at the bride’s home, a welcoming party escorts the new