RPG Adults
PARABLES OF TEN VIRGINS AND TALENTS – CONTEXT II
THURSDAY, MAY 7
Matthew 25:1-13
Memory verse: Matthew 24:36
“…he answered and said,
Verily I say unto you,
I know you not.”
PARABLES OF TEN VIRGINS AND TALENTS – CONTEXT II
After revealing the signs that must come to pass in answer to the two questions of the disciples, Jesus warned them of the need to always be prepared. The return of Christ is definite. The return of Christ has two aspects. The first is Christ’s return for His church, called the first resurrection for those who have died in Christ, or the rapture for those who are alive when Christ returns for His church. In the twinkling of an eye, this is invisible to the rest of the world. The second is glorious for the world to see when the clouds open and Christ, with millions of His glorified saints and angels, descends from heaven to earth to fight His enemies at the Battle of Armageddon. The context of Matthew 24:29-35 points to the second aspect. The world ends, the day of salvation is over, and the day of judgment begins. All the righteous and holy will be holy and righteous forever, and ushered by Christ into heaven. All who are wicked and evil will be wicked and evil forever, and be cast into hell. The urgency to accept the invitation of Christ to be saved is focused.
The exact time of Christ’s return is deliberately withheld. God in His infinite wisdom, keeps this date and time from His children for their spiritual well-being. Imagine knowing the exact date and time of Christ’s return; the believers will be slothful to the end, and then, just a day before Christ returns, they repent! Such carnality must not be found in a genuine believer’s heart. God wants all believers in every century to be watchful, and live in holiness and righteousness according to the Holy Scriptures so that any moment Christ returns, they are always ready to meet Him. To do that, they must be holy as God is holy, in every aspect of their lives.
We must be ever-ready for Christ’s return, as this prophecy was given by God 2,000 years ago. Any Sunday could be our last Sunday for worship! We must make sure of our salvation. Then, we must ensure our service is faithful, and faithfully carry the cross Christ has designed for His disciples.
THOUGHT: If Christ returns tomorrow, what would I be doing today?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me always to live in light of Christ’s soon return for Christ’s sake. Amen.