Verse of the Day 4/2

 

Matthew 25:13  Watch therefore [give strict attention and be cautious and active], for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man will come.  Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

In my devotions I've been reading through the book of Matthew one passage at a time.  In doing so I've been surprised at how much emphasis that Jesus was putting on the subject of being ready, being prepared, every day.

 

As April 1st rolls around there is a kind of clock or stopwatch that may go off in your mind, reminding you that that dreadful day, April 15, tax day is just around the corner.  We know that we have to get ready for it.  We will see commercials on TV for the do it yourselfers for the tax programs for your computers, the accounting firms will remind you by their commercials, and if you have your taxes prepared professionally, most likely you will have received e-mails, a post card or something to remind you to make that appointment.

 

As with all of the parables, there is a main storyline, a main thread that runs through the parable, in this case it is about readiness and that is what we are to take away from it.  We should take the reminders, the opportunities that we have through devotions, spending time in God's Word as well as the things we hear in sermons or in Bible studies and respond faithfully and readily to what God is calling us to do in our lives.  In doing so we will be better prepared.

 

I like what the Amplified Bible has to say to us in today's verse.  We are to watch to be on guard for His coming.  But we are not to watch passively, we are encouraged and challenged to be cautious and active.  Pay attention to how you live, how you walk and be active in your faith.   A follower isn't standing still, he or she is actively following.  I'm reminded of one of my favorite verses from the book of Ephesians that has the same message.

 

Ephesians 5:15-1 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  New King James Version (NKJV)  Walking "circumspectly" is walking with your eyes wide open to what is going on around you.  It goes along with the call to "give strict attention and be cautious and active".

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Matthew 25:7-13

The Message (MSG)

^7-8 "The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, 'Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.'

⁹ "They answered, 'There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.'

¹⁰ "They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.

¹¹ "Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, 'Master, we're here. Let us in.'

¹² "He answered, 'Do I know you? I don't think I know you.'

¹³ "So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.