40 Days to the Cross - Day 17

Day 17 Five Foolish Women

Don't be foolish - prepare your heart for Christ's return!

Scripture

The Parable of the 10 Virgins

¹ “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. ² Five of them were foolish and five were sensible. ³ When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them. ⁴ But the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. ⁵ Since the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. ⁶ “In the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him.’ ⁷ “Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ But the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ ⁹ “The sensible ones answered, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell, and buy oil for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ “When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived. Then those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. ¹¹ “Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, ‘Master, master, open up for us!’ ¹² “But he replied, ‘ I assure you: I do not know you!’ ¹³ “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour. Matthew25:1-13

Devotion

This is another parable of preparation. Those who are prepared for Christ’s return will be rewarded. Those who are not, will miss out. You will not get a second chance after death or after Christ’s return. We must be about the business of sharing the gospel with everyone.

Questions

What keeps you from sharing the gospel with others?

How can you overcome that barrier?

What small step can you make to make a difference this week?

Prayer

Dear God: Help us to be prepared and help our friends be prepared for the return of Christ. Amen