Listen to this devotion
Prepare!
In the Word
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13).
Of the Word
Answer honestly. How many times did you rearrange the baby’s room, reorganize the baby’s clothes, and repack your hospital bag before you actually went into labor? Personally, I know I did each a few times at least. And I remember the anticipation I felt each time I walked by the empty room, the closet, and the hospital bag.
In scripture, Jesus spoke about being prepared. He told a parable in which ten virgins were waiting for a bridegroom. Five of the virgins were wise and prepared for a long wait with enough oil for their lamps. The other five, unfortunately, were unprepared. Their oil lamps went out before the bridegroom came, and they missed his arrival while searching for more oil.
Jesus wants us to be prepared for His arrival on the Last Day. Even though we do not know the day or the hour, we can look forward to that day with eager anticipation. How can we do that?
We prepare our hearts for Christ’s arrival by putting our faith and trust in Him. The Holy Spirit sustains us through regular reading of God’s Word and coming often to His altar to receive Holy Communion. We can eagerly wait for Him with joy.
Walking with my Lord
Heavenly Father, help me be prepared for Jesus’ return with eager anticipation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 23/30 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
