The certainty of the second coming was definitely announced by Jesus himself on His first visit on earth, “And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am” (Jn 14:3). The hour of return is unknown to any, as He warns us of the preparedness of the believers any time, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Mt 24:36). Mindful believers must learn the lesson from the Parable of the Ten Girls, where the five wise ones, who “took containers full of oil for their lamps,” enjoyed the partaking of the wedding feast with the bridegroom. The unprepared girls who believed that they could enter the banquet hall, if they hurriedly bought some oil, were disappointed to see the door closed, yet tried by the best of appeal, “Sir, sir! Let us in!” (Mt 25:11), not only received the denial of entry, but also a shocking and surprising answer, “Certainly not! I don’t know you” (Mt 25:12). Let’s be ready always with enough oil for torch bearing as we have the privilege of entering into the gate of Divine Banquet.

Abba, thank you for the invitation to the Kingdom Feast. Let your Spirit alert us to keep watch with enough oil for the lamp, in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.