We’ve all been there.
You arrive early to the doctor appointment only to sit in the waiting room for a longer time than expected. Past your appointment time.
The same thing at the airport. They want you there early and then you wait in hopes that your flight will take off as scheduled.
Sitting in the school pick up lane hoping your child comes straight out after class.
The stalled, not-moving check-out line at the grocery store…
You come prepared. Insurance cards. ID. Passport. Debit card or cash. Even a book to read. You’ve thought of everything needed. And now you wait in hopes they show up on time.
Consider the parable of the ten virgins: (Matthew 25)
“The wise ones, 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.” Matthew 25:4-5 NIV
The wise ones planned ahead. Came prepared. Considered the possibility that the wait might be longer than anticipated. And the bridegroom was later than expected…
Oh, what misery (and disappointment) when you show up without your passport. When you are late to a doctor’s appointment. When your child lollygags with friends instead of coming right out to the car. An unexpected complication ahead of you in the check out line.
Sometimes things just don’t go as we think. But it is always best to be prepared. See how anxious the five unprepared virgins get:
“The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’” Matthew 25:8-9 NIV
Can you imagine the panic? The time has finally come! And they don’t have what is needed. Unprepared. Not ready. They have to leave, go back, and they miss out.
The doctor appointment gets cancelled. The flight takes off without you…
Jesus’ parable is trying to teach us something important. You think you know how things will go. How things should turn out. But it doesn’t always go as smoothly as you plan. So you need to be ready. You need to think and plan accordingly. Have everything ready in advance but also be prepared for a wait. But know this: the wait will be suddenly be over. Your name will be called. It will be your turn.
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.” Matthew 25:10 NIV
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