Anticipating the Kingdom
Open Your Bible
Matthew 25:1-13, John 14:1-4, John 14:18, John 14:25-26, Colossians 3:1-17, Romans 8:28-30, 2 Peter 3:11-14
BY Bailey T. Hurley
While we wait for Christ’s return, the Spirit equips us to live faithfully in light of our redemption in Christ.
Most of us have experienced a nightmare in which we arrive for a work presentation or a school exam unprepared. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t been to school in a decade or to work in weeks—the panic of being unprepared sets in, and you wonder how you could have forgotten to study or do the work necessary to perform well. For me, I wake up in a state of stress and don’t calm down until I realize the scenario isn’t real.
The parable of the ten virgins feels like this nightmare. How could the five, foolish virgins not have been prepared to meet the groom? They obviously knew what needed to be prepared, yet they were foolish enough to forget to bring plenty of oil with them to keep their lamps burning until he arrived.
We should heed the warning that comes with a life not prepared to glorify Christ daily and welcome His return. We don’t want to miss the kingdom of God at work in this world today or the return of our bridegroom Jesus.
The five, wise virgins who came prepared with extra oil for their lamps remind me of a woman who is living a life of “holy conduct and godliness” (2Peter 3:11). Though she may not know the hour of her groom’s return, she endures the wait. Easier said than done, I know. For a follower of Jesus, His coming kingdom can sometimes feel like a mystery too difficult to understand and a promise that seems too far away to actualize.
Thankfully, the mystery has been made known: “You know the way I am going,” Jesus tells His disciples (John 14:4). Jesus Himself has gone before us, prepared a home for us, and will lead us. He reassures His disciples, saying, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (v.1). We can rest now, knowing that kingdom-living is not impossible because we have assurance for our future place in God’s kingdom and the Holy Spirit to help us live faithfully today.
We are asked to wait, trusting in Jesus’s promise. Peter tells the church that “based on [Jesus’s] promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells… Therefore, dear friends, while you wait for these things, make every effort to be found without spot or blemish in his sight, at peace” (2Peter 3:13–14). Let’s be women who are prepared—not anxious for the future because we walk with Jesus who presents us as a spotless bride, but eager with anticipation as we wait for our bridegroom to lead us to the banquet table.
91 thoughts on "Anticipating the Kingdom"
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“ Make every effort to be found without spot or blemish in his sight, at peace.” These words, and other like them always give me pause. For I know that there are many spots and blemishes in my life. Paul tells us that we can’t work our way into heaven. The only way is through faith in the grace of Jesus. I come to the conclusion from our readings today that we need to be perfect. But I know that is impossible for me. I am so thankful to Jesus for his death on a cross that washes away my sins. Now when God looks at me, he doesn’t see an ugly mess of sins. He looks through the perfect sacrifice and sees only a forgiven person, one he loves. May I be comforted today to know that even though I’m not perfect, God sees an unblemished soul through the blood of Jesus.
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I am all for believing in a God who is our close-up and personal friend. But these verses remind me that He is still very Holy and must be revered, taken very seriously. We must stop making excuses for wrong behavior and instead use the power given to us to live holy lives. I don’t want to make the error of being one of the foolish virgins who didn’t take the Christian life seriously. Father, fill us with your Spirit, giving us the power to make good decisions, to live a holy life without blemish, to treat others the way You would want us to, to be examples of holy living in a very evil world, and to spend the time with you daily to fill ourselves up with Your oil so that when You come again, we are ready!!!
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Father God watch over us as we go out into this world of unknowns, of sins, of unbelievers, and of wrongs. Help us to show those around us the Christ-way to live. Watch over our families and be with them as they too battle these same unknowns and help them to walk the Christian walk they need to walk. In the name of Christ, amen.
Be blessed and spread the Word by your actions not so much your words sisters.
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NANCY S— Praying for strength for you as you walk through this tough battle of Alzheimer’s with your husband. I have prayed for you every day for a couple of months but it is always nice to hear that people are praying. ❤️
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RITA ANN—Praying for complete healing for your daughter, wisdom for her doctors, and peace for you. I am a 14 year survivor of breast cancer myself and know how scary that diagnosis is for everyone involved. ❤️
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Rita, I’m praying right now.
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Congratulations SARAH D
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May I ask for prayers for my daughter? She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, a call no woman want to
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Prayers for sure.. I have walked this journey with my daughter… while a tough challenge feel God’s strength and love…
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