the Bridegroom

The Church is the training ground for Christians who hope to meet with the Bridegroom.

Our learning institutions are the training grounds for men and women who will one day oversee the affairs of their respective countries and the world. So, likewise, the Church is the only training ground for Christians, who hope to sit at the banquet table with the Bridegroom. But, for that to happen, each one must follow God’s curriculum. And even though nobody has a clue of what it must be like to occupy the same physical space as their maker, the Holy Scripture provides us with plenty of examples of what we should not expect. 

For example, delinquency and poor planning are not acceptable. And human beings are prone to showing up late for important meetings. After a period of familiarity, most of us often get complacent. 

Tom Paige got laid off from his well-paying job. And for two years, Tom had to do odd jobs to help make ends meet. Then the tide suddenly changed. Tom got another well-paying job that he was excited to do. Tom Paige was always punctual and never missed a day from work three years. But things would soon change.

After learning the ins and outs of his job, Tom noticed that most of his coworkers never showed up for work early. So, instead of being an example for others, Tom decided to fall in line with everybody else. As a result, he would eventually lose his job for tardiness. Tom Paige’s predicament reminds me of the parable of the Ten Virgins Jesus tells in Matthew 25:1-13. The five foolish virgins lose their chance to meet with the Bridegroom because they failed to plan according to God’s blueprint.    

Are you ready to meet with the Bridegroom?

imagesng3cik3l1.jpgJesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 7:21). Even so, one would have to search long and hard to find a professing Christian, who does not think he or she is ready to meet the Bridegroom. 

The truth is, Just like unrepentant sinners; many people who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior–are in danger of getting shut out of the banquet hall when the Bridegroom returns. Not that they are bad people, but humans like to do things their way and not God’s way. The prophet, Isaiah, talking to his country men and women, declared: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6).

Surely, many of us have intentionally detoured from the path that Jesus walked. We have turned to our own way. Then, we convince ourselves that we can get back on the right path in time to meet the Bridegroom. In fact, the five foolish virgins who went to buy oil for their lamps also thought they could get back in time to meet the Bridegroom. They were wrong..

Of course, one could argue that the five foolish virgins were not bad people. On the surface, it seems they did all the right things, and they were just as excited about meeting the Bridegroom, as the five wise virgins. However, they came up short when it matters most.

There is only one way to prepare for the Bridegroom, and that is, Follow the step-by-step plan that Jesus has laid before you. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Therefore, friends, If one walk as Jesus walked, rest assure that a seat awaits you at the banquet table when the Bridegroom returns.