MEMBERS OF HIS BRIDE

The story of the bridesmaids found in Matthew twenty five, Is a warning to God’s people, that the way to stay alive, Is living like a person who is properly prepared. The cost of our not doing so, should make us rather scared. We see from Jesu’s parable, they started out with ten. But only five were watchful. We know what happened then. The five who had the foresight to have extra oil on call, Were taken by the bridegroom into the banquet hall. The others didn’t make it; and they were locked outside; Excluded from the bridesmaids, the bridegroom and His bride. The story is a shocker! It speaks to me and you. It tells us all precisely the thing we need to do.  For those who are not ready for the Son of God’s return, Will finish in the fire that forevermore will burn! Our lifestyle in the interim must be such as is aware, That there is much temptation and a lot of sin out there. We mustn’t be diverted from the straight and narrow way. The cost will be exclusion from His Kingdom on that day. Such things as wasteful living and the worries of this life; Like drunkenness and other things like wickedness and strife, Will never be admitted to the Kingdom of the Lord. So lets us all get rid of that which Christians can’t afford. There is a way to do it; by watchfulness and prayer! To look out for the signals that our Lord is nearly there. We realise what happens; the early days of Spring, Predicts that Summer’s coming. It’s a fact; a certain thing. The signs are very obvious. We know it is at hand. And that’s the illustration we see throughout the land. It isn’t rocket science. It’s not theology, That tells us He is coming. It’s clear as clear can be. His coming may be sudden like the labour pains of birth. We may not know precisely when He returns to earth. But since we are God’s children, His people of the light; And don’t belong to darkness, or the people of the night; Christians will be wide awake and fully in control. Not the sorry victims of a faith that isn’t whole! So buckle on the armour of love upon the chest; Put on salvation’s helmet; obey Him and be blessed! He will not disappoint us. He’ll whisper in the ear, Of each of His disciples and say, “I’m drawing near”. And we will be admitted to the Masters Wedding Feast. He will make us welcome as a faithful royal priest. Not longer as a bridesmaid, but a member of His bride. To live with Him in Glory, forever by His side! Jim Strickland – written Friday, 03 June 2011