Are You Rapture Ready?

Concerning Israel and Iran

What we’re seeing in the headlines right now is not random—they are prophetic.

So what are we to do?

“What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

In response, Jesus shares three parables about being ready for His return:

  • The Parable of the Ten Virgins – Be Ready
  • The Parable of the Talents – Steward Well
  • The Sheep and the Goats – Live Righteously

Matthew 25:1–13 (ESV)

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

1. He Is Coming Back for a Bride That Is Sanctified, Not Spoiled

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.” (v.1)

The Jewish Ceremony:

Betrothal Period (Kiddushin)

“I go to prepare a place for you…” (John 14:2–3)

This is our salvation moment. Jesus, the Bridegroom, came to earth, offered His blood as the bride price, and entered into a covenant with His Church.

The Procession

Jesus said no one knows the day or hour of His return—only the Father (Matthew 24:36). When He comes, it will be sudden, with the shout of the archangel and the trumpet of God (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

The Bridal Party

To be caught without oil or without a ready lamp was shameful and dishonoring to the bride.

We are called to be watchful and ready—our lives filled with the oil of the Spirit and our lamps shining with the light of Christ (Matthew 5:14–16).

The Feast

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb is the culmination of Christ’s union with His bride (Revelation 19:7–9).

The Parable Shows Jesus Coming Back for a Church Marked by:

  • Separation
  • Illumination
  • Expectation

2. His Bride Doesn’t Drift Away in the Delay

“As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.” (v.5)

Soon doesn’t mean what you think it does!

Why Was He Delayed?

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
(2 Peter 3:9, ESV)

→ The reason for the delay is us.

Why Did They Become Drowsy?

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home…”
(Luke 12:35–37, ESV)

→ The secret to waiting is remaining in the Spirit.

3. Not All Who Look the Part Have Been Set Apart

“Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” (v.8)

All ten looked the part… but five were wise, five were foolish.

What Went Wrong?

  • They had lamps, but no oil.
  • They had form, but no fire.
  • They had proximity, but no preparation.

“Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.” (v.12)

This phrase was a formal dismissal—used to sever relationship.

→ Relationship is not based on appearance. It’s based on intimacy.

4. Are You Rapture Ready?

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (v.13)

A. Stay Awake

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
(1 Peter 5:8, ESV)

B. Trim Your Wick

“…Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”
(Hebrews 12:1–2, ESV)

C. Refill Your Oil

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,”
(Ephesians 5:18, ESV)

D. Keep Burning Bright

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
(Galatians 6:9, ESV)

Keep your eyes on the horizon and your hands upon the plow.

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
(1 Thessalonians 4:16–18, ESV)

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