This post is Day 8 in a series of studies about “Doors & Gates”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Doors & Gates – Day 8

When we choose bridesmaids in this 21st century we choose good friends or family, those we love and want to help us celebrate that special day. It will be no different for Jesus. He will come to take with Him those He loves and those He knows love Him.

Matthew 25:10-11

The virgins who were ready went in with Him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. “Lord, Lord,” they said, “open the door for us!”

The Thought

Another story of a closed door reminds us to make our decision to follow Jesus while the door is still open. While we can still be admitted to the wedding feast. Once Jesus comes back to take us to Heaven with Him, it will be too late.

One of the things I find interesting in this parable told by Jesus is that the Bridegroom says He doesn’t know the five foolish virgins who didn’t have enough oil. Maybe He didn’t know any of the ten personally. But He certainly wasn’t going to get involved with people who were not prepared for His wedding feast.

The tradition in Israel in those days was that the “ladies in waiting” or bridesmaids waited together in an area not too far from the place of the wedding celebration. And the bridegroom went to lead them to the feast.

Imagine the moment of panic when the Bridegroom arrived at a time when they were not expecting Him. I think of people who have become Christians early on in life, but have not grown in their faith. Or those who have been churchgoers without really making Jesus Lord of their lives.

When we choose bridesmaids in this 21st century we choose good friends or family, those we love and want to help us celebrate that special day. It will be no different for Jesus. He will come to take with Him those He loves and those He knows love Him.

Action

Pray today for those you know who may not make it into the wedding feast. Those who call themselves Christians, but are not serious about their faith. Those who live with one foot in the world.