“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.” (Matthew‬ ‭25:1-2‬ ‭NLT)

Jesus shares a parable about heaven, attempting to keep our capricious hearts engaged. He knows well our predisposition to distraction and temptation.

Five bridesmaids were preoccupied with their groom’s imminent return. Five were not. Five were prepared; they spent every waking moment getting ready for the hour when they would finally belong to their husband forever. Five were distracted; wooed by the world and as the promise of heaven was diminished day by day.

Though they were twenty years ago, I can remember the weeks before our wedding clearly. They were an intoxicating flurry of preparation interlaced with the agonizing ache of wait. I longed to be Rob’s bride. “Forever” together could not begin soon enough.

The parable of the foolish and wise bridesmaids speaks of heart posture. Are we waiting as brides should? Eager and consumed with the promise of marriage, every spare moment spent in preparation and anticipation? Or is the impending nuptial only drudgery? Duty?

Because Jesus isn’t interested in a lackluster bride. He’s coming back to gather a passionate, prepared church. He’s looking for the ones who are fervent for righteousness and relationship over sin and self.

“For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ. But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭11:2-3‬ ‭NLT)

O Lord, prepare our hearts. May we look to that Glorious Day with eager anticipation and diligent preparation. May we be more than ready and overjoyed when You finally come to gather Your church. It is a privilege to be Your bride. Not a burden, but a blessing. Let us live with hearts convinced; our covenant with You is the best commitment we could ever make. Amen.