Are You Prepared?

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

—Matthew 6:19-21

I have one eye on the window and the other on the forecast. Meteorologists are predicting an epic storm, a blizzard of historic proportions. One to two feet of snow is expected to drop on our region within the next two days, halting all life as we know it. The governor has declared a state of emergency. Schools and businesses are closed. And we all brace for the storm. But are we prepared?

Emergency Lessons

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

—Matthew 25:13

He’s coming. And I've got to get ready. It could be any day now.

I have to be prepared. I have business to attend to—emergency lessons to write.

My daughter is due to give birth to my grandson. And as soon as I get the word, I’ll be jetting off in her direction as fast as my little Jeep will carry me.

But I have 150 students counting on me here at home. And it’s my duty to leave lesson plans for a substitute teacher. While I’m excited about the arrival of my new bundle-of-joy, I also care about my students and want to leave lessons that are relevant and meaningful—lessons that will enlighten and engage.

My administrator is also counting on me to be prepared. Leaving without leaving lesson plans would be falling short—the equivalent of my students not completing their assignment.

Jesus used The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) to explain the workings of the kingdom of heaven. The duty of the ten virgins was to attend to the bridegroom, to light the way to the wedding banquet. Five were prepared with plenty of oil for their lamps, while the other five fell short. The foolishness of the unprepared cost them entrance to the wedding banquet.

Our duty is to attend to the business of our souls, to be ready for the Lord’s coming. It could be any day now. And our assignment is to the light the way for others. Let us not fall short. Let us be prepared. May our lamps burn bright for Him. And may we share this urgent message of hope in relevant and meaningful ways.

Dear God, thank You for making a way for me to enter the marriage supper. While I’m excited for that joyous day, I also care for others and pray that they too will receive this blessed hope. Thank You for entrusting me to attend to the business of souls. May I not fall down on the job. Guide me to complete this assignment, illuminating the way for others. Amen.