| Waiting on the Groom
by Joni Eareckson Tada |
|
| “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom…The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’…The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet…Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Matthew 25:1, 3-6, 10, 13 |
| When all the preparations for the consummation of the marriage contract were completed, it was customary for the Jewish bridegroom to go for his bride at night. He would march toward her village with his friends, in a torchlight procession. As more bystanders recognized the wedding party, they would take up the call of celebration and cry out the good news from block to block (a coy way of alerting the bride to be ready!). In a short time the torchlight processional halted outside her home. The bride, dressed in the gown she had hung by her bed in readiness, stepped out into the street amid cheers. With laughing and singing, the bride and groom, with the wedding party, walked by torchlight back to the home of the groom’s father, where a feast awaited them.
Wise virgins understand that the betrothal carries big responsibilities. We recognize that we are in covenant, albeit separated from our groom. We watch and work. We stay alert. Our groom could come for us at any moment!
Don’t be a foolish virgin who easily forgets about her soon-and-coming groom. Energize your anticipation by learning the meaning behind the many other betrothal symbols in today’s devotion. Look up 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 5:2; Matthew 24:42-44.
I want to ready myself for your return, Lord. I want to wait for you with spirited affection and eager anticipation. I want to be prepared with oil in my lamp and fire in my heart. |
|
| Taken from More Precious than Silver
By Joni Eareckson Tada
Copyright © 1998
Published in Print by Zondervan, Grand Rapids
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible: New International Version. |
|
For More Inspiration…
On the podcast, Crystal has invited Pastor Kempton Turner to join her for a conversation about divine justice. What does it mean to act on behalf of those who are without a voice or a seat at the table? Listen Now
“When you feel surrounded by tough circumstances, remember…somebody’s learning about God through you.” Listen Now for Joni’s message on the radio!
While COVID-19 may still be prohibiting gatherings of large numbers, we can all intercede on behalf of children and adults with disabilities, even when we’re home alone. Read Now
|
