“A hard way to learn a lesson”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Monday, July 11, 2022
Matthew 25:1-13 (Forward, p. 74) CEV p. 1017
The scenario depicted in this parable, the Parable of the Ten Girls (the Wise and the Foolish Maidens), would have been very familiar to all of Jesus’ original hearers. It depicts things exactly as custom dictated. The bridegroom would go off to his father’s house to prepare a place for his new bride, and then, at an unexpected time, would return to take his bride to their new home. The ideal time was to come at night, when people weren’t likely to be as ready or prepared. And, if he could catch some of them napping, some of them ill-prepared, all the better. The ones who were ready, were prepared, would then accompany the bride and groom to their new home and the others would presumably lose out.
Now, in its original setting, there was nothing particular blameworthy about the ill-preparedness of some. There were no lasting consequences, other than the disappointment (and possible shame, which was probably temporary) of losing out on a good party. However, Jesus puts a new spin on it. He adds an eschatological twist to it. The ill preparedness of some people turns out to have eternal consequences, as here the bridegroom represents none other than Jesus. And so, not being prepared means, not only losing out on some earthly party, but losing out on an eternal relationship with God.
But then, in practical terms, just what does being prepared mean? In this, I can only guess. I can only add my suggestions. I would say that fostering our relationship with God in Jesus Christ is paramount, and not allowing anything or anyone to get in the way of it. Pursuing such things as prayer, Bible study, worship, and meditation would be part of this, and not being too busy or otherwise occupied to continue in them. Simply spending time with Him and making sure that there aren’t things that impede or sully that relationship or would be distasteful or hateful to Him. And, being active in whatever ministry or task He has left you, spreading His word, and caring for each other, the church and the world. These, then, are ways that I would think that we can be prepared—and as mentioned, how essential that is.
How necessary it is then to be prepared for none of us know just when Jesus will return. And losing out on this will be a very hard way to learn a lesson, one that might just be irreparable. I shudder at the thought, so let us all exert ourselves always to be ready for Him no matter what. Amen.
Forward notes: Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying ‘Lord, lord, open to us’” (verse 11).
“New Testament scholar Kenneth E. Bailey used to say that a parable is like a room. When you enter, you may need a moment to adjust to the layout and get to know your surroundings. I’ve gotta say, I’ve spent a long time in the room with these ten bridesmaids, and over the years, I’m not sure I understand the placement of the furniture any better. These five wise and five foolish bridesmaids and the bridegroom who both keeps them waiting and cannot forgive an innocent mistake defy a single neat interpretation.
“As far as I can tell, the trouble isn’t that some bridesmaids failed to plan; it’s that they left. Unsure that the feast would have light and oil enough to spare, they go to get their own. They think feeling prepared for what is coming is as important as the ‘what’ itself, be it the wedding feast or our own life with Christ. It’s never easy to stick it out when it feels like our light is fading or to feel like you’ve failed (and others will notice!). But when these bridesmaids think what they have is more important than who they are, they leave just when their presence is most necessary.”
MOVING FORWARD: “Does your to-do list crowd out your to-be-with God time?”
A concluding note: the author of today’s meditation may well be right, right at least in the original setting of the parable. But the evangelist, and presumably Jesus, puts it into a setting that definitely strikes at the business of being prepared: ‘so, my disciples, always be ready! You don’t know the day or the time when all this will happen.’ Here it has nothing at all to do with straying or staying away or excluding oneself from the party, and all to do whether you were there, on hand and ready, when the time came. And so, that is the question that must occupy each of us.