WHAT DOES PREPARATION LOOK LIKE?

Have you ever been part of a wedding preparation? You would know how much time is involved in working out all the details. Preparation involves focus and devotion. We need to find out what makes the bridegroom happy and adjust our priorities and life accordingly. Eg: Before getting married in courtship you take the trouble to find out what each other likes.

·It will involve your time – learning to cultivate a relationship with Jesus. Intimacy is cultivated over time and not overnight.

·It will cost you – there will be things you have to realign, things you will have to give up, and new habits you will need to develop.

The bridegroom seems to take His time coming. The Bible tells that when He comes it will be a great day and a terrifying one.

At the midnight hour – Midnight is significant in Biblical symbolism. It is the point of breakthrough. The Israelites were delivered at midnight. It is also the darkest hour.

Samson went to the temple pillars at midnight. The Philippian jailer was saved at midnight. Paul and Silas were set free at midnight.

So midnight is when problems are at the greatest but it is also the point of breakthrough.

Midnight hour - the virgins were asleep. It could refer to the regular cycle of life or that they were unaware of what was happening. A lot of churches and Christians are in a state of slumber!

Then there is a cry that announces the bridegroom's arrival. There is music and dancing – it is a prophetic cry that rings out announcing the Lord’s return and that we should be ready. I believe that cry is going out in this season.

This is a season to develop our fellowship with Jesus and keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit. A flask full of oil represents our faithfulness to Jesus and our history with Him. You cannot borrow oil from anyone on that day i.e. you cannot live off someone else revelation, anointing, or history with God. You cannot even rely on your history. Is your relationship with Jesus current, alive and thriving?

REFLECT AND ASK YOURSELF

·Are you intentionally cultivating a relationship with Jesus?

·What does my devotion look like?

·What parts of my life need to be realigned, given up and what new habits am I developing to please Jesus?