Have you ever asked someone, Do you know _____. Sometimes they respond, "well I know of them but I can't say I really know them. There is an old hymn that starts off with the line, I love to tell the story of Jesus and His love... The song was written by Arabella K. Hankey in 1866. Jesus used alot of parables in His teaching of the Disciples. We might ask why he used that method of teaching but in reality it is one of the most effective tools to teach values, morals or enhance understanding of a specific concept. The Grimm Brothers told Fairy Tales, Hans Christian Anderson told stories like the "The Ugly Duckling," and even pastors use illustrations to teach scriptural concepts and beliefs. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells about the ten virgins who go out to meet the Bridesgroom. That was a tradition often used in biblical times, however he talks about how they went out unprepared. Their lanterns burnt out and they asked to borrow oil from the ones who were prepared. That brings up some interesting concepts worth discussing. While the basic premise of the parable is to teach the disciples to be ready for the coming of Christ. They won't know the hour, day or time but being prepared means we can meet the Savior while being unprepared means we will miss Him. The metaphor in this story is clear. We must be alert and prepared by ensuring our salvation through a personal relationship with Christ. We cannot borrow our salvation or buy it. When we miss the time to be meet the Savior whether it is in a Second Coming or by death bringing us before the Judgement Seat, we have missed our opportunity. Will he say in the end, "come on in or will he say, I don't know you." With decisions comes accountability and while we have a loving Father, we also have a just Father. 2 Cor 6:2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Do we know who Christ is or do we know Christ. That's the basic question that will impact us at eternity.
Much love
Preach
Comments