Joni And Friends Daily Devotional 13 June 2024, Thursday Message
TOPIC: Waiting on the Groom
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom…The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!”…The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet…Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” – Matthew 25:1, 3-6, 10, 13
When all the preparations for the consummation of the marriage contract were completed, it was customary for the Jewish bridegroom to go for his bride at night. He would march toward her village with his friends, in a torchlight procession. As more bystanders recognized the wedding party, they would take up the call of celebration and cry out the good news from block to block (a coy way of alerting the bride to be ready!). In a short time the torchlight processional halted outside her home.
The bride, dressed in the gown she had hung by her bed in readiness, stepped out into the street amid cheers. With laughing and singing, the bride and groom, with the wedding party, walked by torchlight back to the home of the groom’s father, where a feast awaited them.
Wise virgins understand that the betrothal carries big responsibilities. We recognize that we are in covenant, albeit separated from our groom. We watch and work. We stay alert. Our groom could come for us at any moment!
Don’t be a foolish virgin who easily forgets about her soon-and-coming groom. Energize your anticipation by learning the meaning behind the many other betrothal symbols in today’s devotion. Look up 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 5:2; Matthew 24:42-44.
I want to ready myself for your return, Lord. I want to wait for you with spirited affection and eager anticipation. I want to be prepared with oil in my lamp and fire in my heart.
Joni Eareckson Tada is an American evangelical Christian author, radio host, artist, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization “accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community”.