10 Comments
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Mike Lindsey's avatar

An excellent illustration of a text

Many treat as a story and not as a

Prophesy. Truth is not hard it is just hard to accept. You make an old story fresh. Well done! God bless.

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Undistorted, Radical Clarity's avatar

This piece cuts deep.

It’s one of the few sermons I’ve read that doesn’t settle for performance or sentiment—it demands inventory. Not of appearances, theology, or memory, but of presence. Do you have oil now? Not did you once.

The most haunting line for me: “Oil can’t be borrowed. Not at midnight.” That’s it, isn’t it? You can’t inherit readiness. You can’t outsource faith. You either have the quiet burn within, or you don’t. When the door shuts, it’s not cruelty. It’s finality. And no one else can answer for you.

This isn’t fear-mongering. It’s a reality check.

The delay is the test.

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Wendy's avatar
7dEdited

Well summarized.

We can see the Lord separating the wheat from the chaff. We all need to be sure where we will land.

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Pastor Rich Bitterman's avatar

Thank you both for taking the time to respond with such care. Grateful for both of you.

I really appreciate your words. This isn’t about fear. It’s about reality. Jesus wasn’t asking if we once felt something or had the right theology years ago. He was asking if we’re still burning now.

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Wendy's avatar

I agree that it's not about fear but examining ourselves and our relationship with the Lord. Have we forgotten our first love for Him? It is that first love He is calling us back to.

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Wendy's avatar

Often, when speaking to the Lord, I find myself repeating Peter's words, 'To whom else would I go...' There is no one else. Just Christ. For me, Peter's words, which I have made my own, are a reminder of Christ and why I love Him as I do.

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Bad Bunny's avatar

I don't look for Jesus coming in the clouds with glory. The early Apostles did, expectantly. It's been two millennia -- a lot of midnights.

I don't wait for Armageddon to arrive as a justification for my faith. I have no desire to see the End Times and havoc wreaked upon humankind. And I'm far from alone.

At age 73 I imagine it won't be all that long before my time is due. And I honestly believe that's the place in which most of us as individuals find ourselves. After all, none of us knows the day or the hour. "This very night your life will be required of you." (Luke 12:20)

Don't fret about the fulfillment of Revelation. Live each day as though the wedding is ours and the church pews are already filled with celebrants. Don our wedding garments, trim our wicks and prepare to welcome the Bridegroom, full of hope and joy.

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Pastor Rich Bitterman's avatar

You’re exactly right. Jesus may return in the clouds, or He may call us home quietly in the night. Either way, the call remains the same. Be ready. Be faithful. Live with joy. I especially love how you put it...don our wedding garments, trim our wicks, and prepare to welcome the Bridegroom. That captures the heart of Matthew 25 and the life of watchful obedience.

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Jonathan Zartman's avatar

I am ready, I have been ready. Lord grant me fruit before you come to take me!

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Maria Ngunyi's avatar

Blessed by this devotion. Dear Jesus I want to be ready for your coming. I love you Lord.

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