Don’t Be Caught Napping!
While the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. Matthew 25:5
As we bring to close 2025 and begin 2026, a look at the Parable of the Ten Virgins is quite appropriate. For us when the new year begins isn’t in question, but the preparedness is. Can we look forward to 2026 with confidence? A look at this parable can help.
Many believe that Jesus used the familiar wedding tradition of bridesmaids in a slightly different way. Usually, the bridesmaids were responsible for preparing the bride to meet the bridegroom. Here the bridesmaids were sent out to meet the bridegroom. But things didn’t go as planned and the bridegroom was delayed. Jesus said, “They all became drowsy and fell asleep.” All ten virgins knew that the bridegroom was coming, but only five were truly prepared. They brought along extra oil, just in case.
What will 2026 hold? Specific details we don’t know. Yes, the future is before us but we can’t be like the virgins. We can’t fall asleep. But they all did, and so will we. No matter how vigilant we try to be, we can’t be perfectly ready for everything that happens. This is where we need to learn from the wise virgins who brought extra oil.
When the unexpected comes, how can we be prepared? Faith? The Holy Spirit? A case can be made for both. But Scripture indicates that these cannot be bought or sold, they are gifts of God. Yet Jesus in other parables uses the purchase of the Pearl of Great Price and the Hidden Treasure in the Field. We need to stay focused. Because we are sinners we won’t do it perfectly, but we need to keep focused by his Word. No matter what 2026 brings we can look forward with confidence. The confidence that the Gospel of Jesus gives.
Lord Jesus, thanks for the many blessings of 2025. Keep us in your care in 2026. Amen.