Are You Ready?

If Jesus returned today, would you be ready to meet Him?

That question has stayed with me this week. It calls us to look honestly at our relationship with Jesus—how we trust Him, respond to His Word, and live while we wait for His return.

Last week, we talked about returning to our First Love and dying to self. This message continues that call. Readiness begins with a heart surrendered to Jesus.

The Invitation to His Table

During worship on Sunday night, I experienced a vision that deeply moved me.

I heard the words, “The feast is ready. Have a seat.”

I saw a banquet table stretching farther than I could see. As I took my seat, I recognized some people around me. Others were unfamiliar. Then I looked down the table and noticed countless empty chairs.

I asked the Lord where everyone else was. In the vision, I heard, “They did not respond to the invitation.”

I have thought about those empty chairs throughout the week. The experience brought me back to Revelation 19:9:

“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”— Revelation 19:9, NASB 1995

What a wonderful promise: fellowship with Jesus at the marriage supper of the Lamb. It also brings a personal question before us: How are we responding to Him today?

Preparation Matters

In Matthew 25:1–13, Jesus tells the parable of ten virgins waiting for a bridegroom. Five brought oil in flasks along with their lamps. Five did not.

When the bridegroom delayed, all ten became drowsy and fell asleep. But when the announcement came, only five were prepared to go with him.

All ten expected his arrival. Only five had prepared for the waiting.

That detail challenges us. We may believe Jesus is coming while allowing our daily relationship with Him to receive very little attention. We can become distracted, comfortable, or discouraged when the wait is longer than expected.

Faithfulness means continuing to follow Him through that waiting.

Keep Your Lamp Burning

Jesus calls His followers to be the light of the world. Our words, choices, relationships, and conduct should point people toward Him.

Tending a lamp gives us a picture of caring for our spiritual lives. Trimming the wick reminds us to let the Holy Spirit expose what needs to change.

Sometimes that means confessing pride. Sometimes it means forgiving someone, leaving a sinful habit, or removing a distraction that has crowded out time with God.

When the Lord reveals something, we need to respond. We cannot keep excusing what He is asking us to surrender.

We can also use oil as a picture of dependence on the Holy Spirit. Jesus does not explicitly define the oil’s symbolism in this parable, but its lesson about preparation calls us to examine what sustains our walk with Him.

Make room for Scripture, prayer, worship, fellowship, and obedience. Seek the Lord today. Let yesterday’s experiences encourage your faith and lead you into a continuing relationship with Him.

Stay Watchful Without Fear

Jesus told His disciples there would be wars and rumors of wars. He also told them not to be frightened, explaining that the end had not yet come.

Troubling news can stir anxiety. It can consume so much of our attention that we neglect the people and responsibilities God has placed before us.

We do not know the day or hour of Christ’s return. We do know He calls us to remain faithful.

Keep loving your family. Pray for your community. Serve others. Share the gospel. Walk in holiness and trust the Lord with what you cannot control.

Let the promise of His return strengthen your faith and shape how you live today.

Your Response Is Personal

We need encouragement, prayer, sound teaching, and Christian fellowship. But no one can surrender our hearts for us.

Your pastor’s faith cannot replace your relationship with Jesus. Neither can your spouse’s devotion, your parents’ example, or your years of church attendance.

Ask yourself honestly:

• Am I making time to know Jesus?

• Am I responding when His Word corrects me?

• Is there compromise I need to confess?

• Am I remaining faithful through the waiting?

• Who needs to hear about Jesus through me?

  
  

If those questions reveal something that needs attention, bring it to Him today. His call deserves our response.

Come to Jesus Today

Perhaps your love has grown cold. Perhaps you have become distracted or weary. You can turn to Jesus now.

Confess your sin. Trust His saving work. Ask Him to renew your heart and help you walk in obedience.

Remember those who have yet to hear the gospel. Pray for them by name. Reach out. Share what Jesus has done in your life.

Keep your lamp burning. Keep your heart surrendered. Stay ready for the Bridegroom.

A Prayer for Readiness

Lord Jesus, search our hearts. Forgive our complacency and compromise. Restore our love for You and fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Help us remain faithful while we wait, and give us boldness to share Your invitation with others. May You find us ready and joyful at Your coming. Amen.

Pastor Eric Schroeder

Radiant New Life Church

You are welcome to join us for Sunday worship at 10:00 AM.

Come grow with us as we follow Jesus together.