Distraction and Lampstands

Will you be ready when Jesus comes? Some prophets believe we are in the end of times. I choose not to live in fear but instead carefully choose who I listen to, in church leadership or online. I want to follow those whose discussions line up with the Bible. I must spend time reading the Bible myself so I can learn Godly wisdom and discern the truth.

Our world of distraction is set on keeping you unsettled, and being like a dog chasing his tail. If we feel fear, panic, dread or uncertainty, we may be even more susceptible to listening to the wrong voice.

Even worse, apathy may lead us to believe we have plenty of time to get wisdom, read the Bible and seek Jesus. This mindset from the devil may be our undoing. It isn’t about being a good person. It is about seeking a relationship with Jesus and growing in our daily life with words and actions that reflect Him. Not perfection but transformation in our time with our Savior.

What is the distraction that keeps you staying away from Jesus? Consider the distraction of the dog in the movie, Upwards. It is like a dog who hears the word Squirrell and runs into the street instead of staying safe.

Noise, more noise, people, media, the hustle of life, looking at the stock market, trying to make ends meet, what a distraction. It can be the comparison trap whether you are a child, teen, young adult, or any age. We can take the bait. A trap of distraction is just a screenshot away.

But when Jesus comes, will you be ready? Do you think you still have time? Scripture tells us, “Jesus knows the number of our days, but no one knows when Jesus will come”.

Matthew 25:1-13 NLT
“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, [4] but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. [5] When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. [6] “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ [7] “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. [8] Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ [9] “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ [10] “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. [11] Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ [12] “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ [13] “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

Have you ever heard of the 10 Bridesmaids? Will you be one of the five with ready lamps or not? This story in scripture may bring a feeling of conviction. I know it did for me. Conviction isn’t bad, because it can prompt you to change to a better future, even more, an eternal future with Jesus. I need a poke on occasion, how about you?

Merriam Webster’s definition of conviction: the act of convincing a person of error or of compelling the admission of truth. A conviction can lead to transformation, condemnation comes from the devil.

So on those days when your distraction, “squirrel”, seems to chitter loudly, reconsider your position. Seek first Jesus, spend time reading His Word, the Bible, accept Jesus as Savior, believe He is Lord, and let Him be the Lord of your life. James or Matthew are great places to start and be ready with your oil and lamp.

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 MSG
May God our Father himself and our Master Jesus clear the road to you! And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers.

Photo credit (Pexels.com – Olexsandr Pidvalnyi)