Matthew the apostle wrote how Jesus told His disciples, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom comes; go you out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go you rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not”, and in chapter twenty-five and verse thirteen of his book, Matthew writes how Jesus told His disciples to “watch” because, “you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes” where we read:
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes.
The verse reads, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour ...” Matthew began with Jesus' words, “watch therefore” which means “be vigilant, give strict attention to, and be cautious and active then, consequently, accordingly and these things being so”, “for you know neither” or “because, since and on account that the disciples of Jesus do not perceive, understand, notice, discern nor discover” “the day” which means “the natural day or the interval between sunrise and sunset”“nor the hour” which refers to “the certain definite time or season”. Matthew shared how Jesus declared how His disciples did not know the particular or certain “time” for that which He will declare.
The verse continues, “wherein the Son of man comes.” Matthew added Jesus' word, “wherein” which means “with which” “the Son of man” or “God's Son Jesus” “comes” which means “appears, arises and comes forth”. Matthew shared how Jesus said the disciples were to be “watchful” because none of them know when Jesus shall return.
When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we understand Jesus' warning for His disciples to be on alert and “watch” for His coming. God desires for every person to yield their lives to His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”, and when they do, they should expect that He will return at any time. “Watching” for Jesus to return should be a part of every Christian's life, and when He appears, may all who read these word be “ready” for His return.
Next time Matthew writes how Jesus said, “the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
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