What is the most epic event you have ever been invited to? Your wedding? Your child’s wedding? A V.I.P event? You heard about it and waited for your invitation to show up. When it comes you write down your name and carefully select the “Will Attend” box. You make sure to get it in the mailbox quickly. The anticipation begins. At first, it’s so far off you aren’t really thinking about it. At some point in the waiting, you need to buy an outfit. You get an idea of what you wish you could wear. You start looking, you start shopping. After much trial and error, searching and hoping, you find the right outfit. You make a hair appointment months in advance for the week of the event. You make a nail appointment. You buy a new mascara, a new purse, new earrings. As the event draws near, you are checking off your must do list with joyful anticipation. You have tried to think of everything. The day before the event you even clean out your car, fill up your tank and get a carwash. You want to be completely prepared. Nothing left to chance.
The day of the event is finally here and in your excitement you get ready way too early. There is nothing to do but wait. You can’t show up before it’s time. This is where overthinking can start. Maybe your outfit isn’t as great as you had thought. Maybe you need to fix your hair or make-up again. You worry about the directions, the contents of your purse and maybe even if your outfit is enough, if you are enough.
Matthew 25:5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.
I think this is where the Church is at. We know the Bridegroom is coming. We accepted the invitation, we are Ready. Yet, as ready as we are, we wait. It’s hard. The finite world is crumbling around us. Every predictor that Jesus said to watch out for is happening. Wars, rumors of wars, famines, deception, spiritual rebellion and the one that hurts the most, the love of many growing cold. In the parable of the 10 virgins, they all got drowsy and slept. Even the ones who came prepared with oil in their lamps. It was late. It’s hard to stay awake. Anticipating something good while experiencing something bad is soul draining. We want our Savior. We long for the day of His return to collect His Church. We know He is coming but we don’t know when.
Matthew 25:8-13 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
We know we cannot give our oil away but what if in this time of waiting we could help others to get their oil? What if instead of overthinking, or sleeping, or trying to stay looking good before the Day Of The Lord, we get up and spread the gospel? When Jesus returns, if it is in my lifetime, I do not want to be sleeping. I want Him to catch me doing something good. We can all tell people where to go to get their oil. That is literally our job.
Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
While we are all called to spread the gospel, it looks slightly different for each one of us. Some people are called to tithe big amounts (but that doesn’t mean everyone’s 10% isn’t of equal value to The Lord) some are called to be missionaries. There are singers, writers, poets and artist that spread the gospel through their gifts. I think for most of us, we are the foot soldiers. It may not be glamourous, but you can’t have an army without soldiers. We are the ones who ask “Can I pray for You” or lend a Christian book or buy someone a Bible. The Mom’s out there this Summer taking not only their kids to VBS but the neighbor’s kids as well. The one’s who post Bible verses, the ones who pray fervently. The parents and grandparents who teach their children about Jesus, who teach Sunday School and put on Veggie Tales instead of something else. The encouragers, the givers, the doers. We work while we wait. We keep pointing everyone, everywhere, to The Oil. Of course we are tired, it’s late, but Jesus will return right on time.
Because we know Jesus as our Savior, we have oil in our lamps. We are anointed to spread the gospel in every big or small way The Holy Spirit equips us to. We literally carry The Light with us. I keep praying for myself and my sisters and brothers in Christ to find new ways to share the gospel in this ever-changing world. Not to erase the old ways but to build upon them. It used to be Bible tracks and tent revivals. Now the internet in inundated with people preaching either The Gospel or some other false gospel and a lot of people do not know how to tell the difference. That is a huge area that needs prayer. The Lord reminds me to pray for Christian radio stations a lot. I also pray for us as Christians to pass along what God doesn’t mean for us to keep. My sister always leant out Christian books to people at work and her family and friends. Now when I buy a great God centered book, I ask God who can I give it to when I’m done? When you see a good Christian movie, you can share a good review online or post it to your social media. Just posting an invitation online to your church’s VBS is spreading the gospel. That is pointing to The Oil. These micro acts can have eternal effects.
It’s hard to stay excited in the waiting. The good news is, even the smallest God led action is spreading the gospel, it’s staying awake and glorifying The Bridegroom. Jesus is coming. We can feel the excitement of our anticipation growing. Though our heart breaks for this wasting world, we are seeing prophecy come to life every single day. Our hope is animated like never before. King Jesus is coming. We can do it! I’m genuinely interested to hear what other small acts are you called to do? What interesting niche are you called to pray for? Share your ideas so we can be encouraged together. Our salvation (the oil in our lamps) can’t be shared but the gospel can!
© Bobbi Adams
An Imperfect Christian 