Ready or Not?

"WHEN is he coming?", complained Miri. "We have been waiting too long. Every night it's the same thing. Aren't you getting tired Eliza?" Eliza understood Miri's comments but did not share her impatience. It was an honor to have been chosen as one of the ten. She did not take it lightly.

"He said he would come and he will. We must keep listening for the shout and even in our resting, be watchful," Eliza gently encouraged her. "I'm going to the market today for extra oil....come with me. It would be a shameful insult to the bridal party if our flames should go out."

Miri checked her oil supply. She had never been much of a planner but always accomplished what was necessary when the time arrived. "It's too hot and I didn't sleep well last night. Plus my oil supply is fine," she said, with a hint of irritation in her voice.

Eliza pressed her...."Miri, remember, we may be waiting for awhile or we could be called on tonight. Are you sure you have enough for the entire journey?"

With a sigh, Miri insisted her oil supply was adequate. As the younger sister she was used to Eliza's reminders and again, they fell on deaf ears. "I'm going to lay down....enjoy your walk to the market."

Eliza made her way out onto the well-worn dusty road. Her heart was hopeful that tonight was the night the bridegroom would call. It had been a long wait as Miri said, but new hope seemed to rise within Eliza every morning with the sun. Today was no different. She was determined to be ready....so much so that enough oil was not sufficient...extra oil for the journey would be a sacrifice....something more to carry...but it would ensure her torch would stay lit. She needed to be wise.

Nightfall seemed to come quickly that day. Miri and Eliza, along with the other girls, began to nod off. Eliza had become an expert, however, at sleeping with one ear open...always listening. She was the first to hear the cry at midnight. Eliza's heart was pounding as she roused the others from their sleep. "Wake up, wake up. He's coming!" she called to them. They each quickly prepared and lit their torches.

As the bridal procession began, Eliza caught her sister's eye. Miri's torch was lit but there was a look of worry on her face. "I can't help her now," thought Eliza, hoping her sister's assessment of her own oil supply was accurate.

They were halfway there and Eliza's heart was soaring. The celebration, complete with singing and dancing in the streets, announced to all that the bridegroom had indeed come for his bride. He had made a promise and had kept it.

"Eliza, Eliza, help me," Miri's voice was desperate. Eliza knew before she turned around that Miri was out of oil. "Eliza, please, lend me some of your oil. You have more than enough and my torch is going out," Miri pleaded with her sister.

It was too late for a lecture. "I must keep my own oil, Miri. My own torch must stay lit. Go, quickly, and get more for yourself, so you don't miss the feast and celebration," Eliza said, wishing her sister had heeded her earlier warning.

Miri ran quickly here and there searching for any oil she could find. Panic rose in her heart. "Why did I not listen and prepare when I had the time?", she chided herself for being lazy.

As she made her way to the wedding celebration in the dark, Miri saw that she was not alone. Several of the girls had failed to prepare. They ran to the door as it closed. Miri was full of regret. She knew this would be an embarrassment to her family. She had taken lightly the honor and responsibility given to her.

The Lord has challenged me to check my oil supply. And as Eliza reminded Miri, I'm gently reminding you....He is coming. We must be listening and we must be ready. IN John 14:1-3, Jesus tells us that He has gone to prepare a place for us and that He will come back for us. I pray today you will have a new expectancy of His return. He is our bridegroom and we are His bride.

This blog was inspired from Matthew 25:1-13, the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. Read it for yourself:)!