Read Matthew 25:1-13

It may come as a surprise to many of you but I love heavy music. Some people love country music or worship or maybe jazz or classical. Me? I love rapid waves of drums that careen into an all-out assault of brutal kick blasts and razor-edged guitar. Some people like artists gently singing to them. Me? I prefer it when they yell at me.

Weird for some people, but that’s my jam.

Years ago, a buddy of mine introduced me to an Australian band that is pretty heavy. One of their songs ends with a call to headbang (very aggressively moving your head to the music). It’s epic. Recently, he and I were traveling to Cleveland to see them live. Both of us shared in our wonder of whether this specific song was going to be played or not. As we were refilling at a gas station, I pulled up their supposed set list and, sure enough, saw they were closing the whole show with this song.

The whole rest of the trip and the show leading up to that song, I was on the edge of my seat. I simply could not wait for the end of the song and the madness that would ensue after. What’s it like to be at a show when this song is played?

As I read our passage in Matthew 25, I wonder if we have that same anticipation for Jesus coming back. Now, heavy music may not be your cup of tea, but what in your life causes you to be on the edge of your seat with anticipation?

In our passage today, there are 5 foolish virgins who don’t bring any oil for their lamps as they await the bridegroom. When the time comes, they are forced to go into the city to purchase some oil. As you can guess, when they were gone, the bridegroom came and they were locked out upon their return.

While this is a fictional story with a spiritual meaning, the principle still applies today. I don’t know about you but, if I knew Jesus was coming back, I would be on the edge of my seat. I also wouldn’t want anyone I know to be locked out upon their return.

What about you? Do you have oil in your lamp? Are you ready for Jesus to come back? Are you ready to face your Maker and give an account of your life both the good and the bad? What changes need to be made? Who do you know that is on their way to the city to buy oil? How can you share the good news of Jesus to them? Waiting a moment longer could be a moment too long.

May we not be caught off guard when the trumpet sounds and Jesus appears through the clouds.

Jake Lawson