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Aug 12, 2022 18:30pm

Be Ready and Prepared

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I ran my hand over the cool, soft sheet as I smoothed out the wrinkles in the fresh bed linens. This soft blue comforter, with white and yellow pillows seemed perfect for Spring and the arrival of our guests.

When I finished with making the bed, I was off to the next project. Sweep and mop, dust and shine, wash and rinse, I moved throughout the house with attention to detail. A coffee cup and a good book on the bedside table, the guest towels and washcloths set out with the “for pretty” soaps (that’s what we used to call them when we were kids), and a throw blanket ready to be used because I know my friend likes them for comfort just as much as I do.

The fridge was packed with their favorite drinks and food items. I went through my head trying to decide if I would make gravy from scratch for breakfast or just use the package kind to be facetious.

When someone special is coming, we prepare. I was ready for their arrival.

Joshua has told the Israelites that soon they will pass over the Jordan River into the promised land of Canaan. They will follow the ark of the covenant, the very presence of God, across the river. But there is something they must do first.

“And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” (Joshua 3:5)

Sanctify. Get ready. Prepare. Purify.

The Lord had called the Israelites to be His people. They would be a walking testimony of His glory and power. As the time drew closer for the Lord to bring them through another seemingly impossible situation, Joshua instructed them to be ready.

The Lord is coming. We too have been instructed to sanctify ourselves – be ready – for His return. We must be prepared.

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25:1-13)

The Lord will soon return. Are you ready? Have you been sanctified? The time is now. How will the Lord find you? Where will you be? What will you be a part of?

Repent. Confess your sins to the Lord. Ask for forgiveness and surrender your life to Him.

The time is now.