Inspired by Matthew 25:1-13
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.” Matthew 25:1-4
Wisdom was not a prerequisite for becoming a bridesmaid; the ten were bridesmaids because their relationship to the bridegroom made them so. However being a bridesmaid carried with it some responsibilities (i.e. being prepared for the bridegroom’s arrival). They were given lamps to aid them in fulfilling this responsibility, yet five of them still did not put enough thought into their duties to remember that lamps, something they used every day, required oil.
We are called to be disciples of Christ through no merit or wisdom of our own; we are Christians because our relationship with Christ makes us so. However being a Christian disciple carries with it some responsibilities: growing in relationship with the Lord, and discerning his will and following it in every aspect of our lives. We are given the tools necessary to fulfill these responsibilities (grace, forgiveness, the Word, abundant resources, etc.) but we must still use those tools appropriately.
God did not send his Son into the world so that we could just show up and announce, “Present.” God sent his Son into the world so that we might live in active relationship with him, living intentional lives of grace and love.
Let us pray. Gracious Lord, you called us to be in active relationship with you. Help us to be thoughtful and intentional disciples, that we may enjoy the fruits of your love and show to the world what a blessing you are. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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