By Chaplain Joy Le page Smith, MA
Most people are exclaiming concerns as to “the way the world is going.” Change is exceedingly apparent. Yet, a YouTube lifted my spirits today; so, I will share, here, in hopes it does the same for you. At the beginning you may wonder, but the “bottom-line” proves exceedingly worthwhile.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS3V0qc5wpU
Within Jesus’ teachings while He was on earth, He urged His followers to know that in the future there would be an exact right time for Him to return to the earth.
He spoke of consequential signs that will prepare us to realize the time of His return is getting close. The video above shows events taking place now that are definitely among those signs of which Jesus spoke. These events are unfolding currently throughout the earth. Is His return immanently close? For sure, He wants us to watch and be prayerful. Why? So those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior can be ready for His return to the earth.
Jesus’ parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins found in Matthew 25: 1-13, serves well in underscoring the message of this above video making it exceedingly clear what Jesus wants of His people when His return takes place:
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”
Revelation Chapter 1 assures us that no one is going to miss seeing His return, as “every eye shall see him.” He will come in the clouds. He is coming to gather and reward “the church” meaning those who are His–those who seek His guidance daily through prayer and reading the Holy Bible. Those who are in a love relationship with Him for our hearts are His home. The “church” is not about a building or a denomination. Rather, the word “church” rightly describes God’s people –those who seek to serve on earth in ways that generate the life that lights our souls (seen by Jesus as “oil in our lamps.”). The “light” that shines in our lives is the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. We share that night among our families, friends and all who the Lord nudges us to reach out to and help. Being aware, listening and watching enables us to serve where help is needed in the world. Our watching for His return comes naturally when reading the Bible is a frequent practice.
Revelations 1: 5-8, “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen . . . I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Upon the Lord’s second coming He expects to see “light in our lamps,” as the fire of our love for the Lord shines brightly in our souls.
Credit for this link shown above goes to John MacArthur and Crossroads.com.
About the author: Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain. She is reaching readers with her books and websites in up to 32 countries. View her children’s book as a YouTube at healingwithjoy.blogspot.com Also, find many helpful articles addressing life’s difficulties at this site, Healing-with-Joy.com
Yesterday I read your article “ is your souls lamp on or off” but didn’t watch the video- this morning I watched it. I believe my “ lamp” is on, but I’m afraid the Church I belong to is one that is Luke warm to scripture- they preach compassion and use the Bible but blend in with current culture- in too many ways to state here I’m looking at Calvary Chapel. In my Church- I’m on the wrong side of abortion, being pro life, believing that there are 2 genders and other issues, I’m not fitting in.
Chery, i am sorry to be late in answering you. We are in Boise for 3 weeks. Arrived about midnight Wed. Rushed to get ready for a long stay. I believe you are most likely in the wrong place since you have shared the above. I will be praying for you as you search for a place to worship that fits better. Calvary Chapel will honor the Bible as God’s Word and teach that is is to direct our lives. I know it is challenge to change churches but it can become most uncomfortable to stay where it feels the Bible is not honored as God’s Word to us. Love to you!