How can we prepare spiritually for the "midnight cry" mentioned in Matthew 25:6? Listening for the Midnight Cry: Setting the Scene “ ‘At midnight the cry rang out: “Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” ’ ” (Matthew 25:6) Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins paints a vivid picture of last-moment, life-defining readiness. Five young women were prepared; five were not. The difference lay in what they had done long before the shout pierced the darkness. Why the Cry Matters Today • It announces the sudden arrival of the Bridegroom—Jesus’ return (cf. Revelation 19:7). • It comes at “midnight,” a time of widespread spiritual drowsiness. • There will be no time left for scrambling; whatever is in our lamps at that moment is all we have. Keeping the Lamp Burning Bright 1. Ongoing faith in Christ • “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Daily choose trust and obedience, not just a past decision. 2. Consistent intake of God’s Word • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Set aside regular time for Scripture, letting its truth shape every part of life. 3. Lifestyle repentance • “Renounce ungodliness and worldly passions” (Titus 2:12). • Keep short accounts with God; confess sin quickly and turn from it. Guarding the Oil: Cultivating Intimacy with Christ • Prayerful fellowship—talk with Him throughout the day (Luke 18:1). • Worship that engages heart and mind (John 4:23-24). • Dependence on the Holy Spirit, who supplies the “oil” of genuine life and power (Romans 8:11). Staying Awake: Practicing Spiritual Alertness • Watchfulness – “Pay careful attention… redeeming the time” (Ephesians 5:15-16). – Evaluate media, relationships, and habits that dull alertness. • Expectancy – “You are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). – Let His imminent return shape priorities and decisions. • Self-discipline – Fast occasionally, silence the phone, build margin—train the soul to hear His whisper. Checking the Supply Now, Not Later • Periodic spiritual inventories: – Is my love for Christ growing or cooling? – Do I sense the Spirit’s conviction readily? – Am I serving with joy or mere duty? • Immediate course corrections keep the flask full so the lamp never flickers out. Encouraging One Another as the Day Approaches “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds… encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Regular, meaningful fellowship guards against isolation. • Shared study, worship, and accountability fan readiness in the whole community. Living in Holy Expectation • Active service—using gifts to bless others while time remains (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Joyful anticipation—looking “for the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). • Unshakable confidence—He promised, “I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20). When the midnight cry erupts, the prepared will rise with lamps blazing, welcoming the Bridegroom in triumphant joy. Let’s live so that our first glimpse of Him is not surprise or regret, but the fulfillment of a longing we’ve nurtured every single day. |
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