With the pandemic, the state of the world provides a pertinent example of what could happen again in the future.
People panicking, unsure about their own survival, buying up all the world’s resources from hand sanitizers to toilet paper and over-the-counter medicines.
How long does a pandemic last? It might be anyone’s guess.
Those who suffer the most are the elderly and people at high risk for continued use of medicines such as insulin, albuterol, and so on.
A pandemic happens on a physical level. In the future, something similar will happen on a spiritual level.
Check this out.
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. 5 Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’
7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11 Later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.” Matthew 25:1-13
In a pandemic, we might give our neighbor a roll of toilet paper, or give our families part of our groceries.
But what is this scripture in Matthew 25 telling us?
When Jesus Christ comes, will there be time to share scriptural knowledge with others who are asking about what’s happening?
In this scripture, some say “No”, that they won’t share theirs with the others.
What could the “others” have done prior to this time?
They could have prepared themselves, and have on hand what they need for when Jesus Christ returns.
Which would include what? Wisdom, knowledge, understanding, other?
For those who don’t have it already when Jesus comes, where would they go to get it?
In a pandemic, the shelves in some stores might be nearly empty. Consider that if you’re going for groceries.
In some parts of the world, people can physically live off the land. Can you? Did you learn and practice those traditions from your ancestors?
Becoming proficient in anything takes time, instruction, and often patience.
Similarly, for you to know what to expect when Jesus Christ comes requires study, learning, and practice.
Consider how the world-wide events we’ve already experienced affect us both internally and externally.
How ready are you for the events that will take place at Jesus Christ’s return? What changes might you need to make, and when will you begin?