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 An invitation was sent to mankind from a cross some 2000 years ago. It was one of those RSVP invitations. However, there also appears to be another announcement to follow. Scripture refers to it as a “cry” that “rang” out. (“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!”- Matt. 25:6, NIV) It appears that this ringing cry was fervent with the feel of a more imminent event. According to this scripture it appears that ten virgins responded to the initial invitation from the cross and came out to meet the bridegroom, but five of them didn’t seem to take it seriously. They were not ready for the “cry”. Perhaps they were like the thorny ground and the things of the world became more important. However, five of the virgins did take it seriously. The five virgins who went in to the feast with the bridegroom had enough desire to be there. Desire is the key word. They had enough gut-driven desire to be with the bridegroom…to know Him and to be known by Him intimately. Unfortunately the other virgins appeared to seek intimacy with the world and became mere friends or acquaintances of the bridegroom. I received the original invitation and responded. However, I have also heard the other cry ringing out… deep in the depths of my spirit. It’s a very important and privileged invitation to a very important banquet. It is saying ‘‘Come to the feast; the Bridegroom is soon to appear!” It’s not anything that’s sent out lightly or superficially, but my presence is requested at the wedding of all time; that of the King of all creation, and His chosen bride. It too requires a response… “My lamp is trimmed; All things are ready…Come”. I have to express what I feel about this urgent cry that is ringing out. Scripture speaks of the five that entered as “wise”. I also want to be considered “wise”. I do not want to be one of those who is not ready. I don’t want other concerns to keep me from being there. I don’t want to miss this wedding! I don’t want to be considered merely a friend or acquaintance. I don’t want to be left out due to other clamoring interests or so-called needs or duties or denominational beliefs. When I approach that door to enter into the Bridegroom’s banquet hall I want to be the Bride…not just an acquaintance. I fear that many who consider themselves to be among the bride are just friends. They have not desired the intimacy. Life has meant more. I want my RSVP reply to say “I will be there at all cost.” I want Him to have it in His hand. Should others come to me as I’m about to enter in to the Banquet and require me to give them some of what I have, I can only reply to them…”You had your chance” |
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