Already Ready

Many of us have grown up fearing the end times, wondering if we're living in a way that truly reflects our belief in Jesus' imminent return. We often measure our readiness by our actions, behaviors, and commitment, secretly hoping Jesus delays His coming until we feel 'ready enough.' But this understanding of readiness misses the point of Jesus' teaching.

In the parable of the ten virgins, the difference wasn't that some stayed awake while others slept - they all fell asleep. The difference was that five had oil and five didn't. This oil represents the Holy Spirit, not our level of faithfulness or effort. When Jesus speaks of doing the will of God, He defines it simply as believing in Him (John 6:28-29). Our readiness isn't based on our performance but on our faith in Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit that comes with that faith. When we understand we're already ready through the Spirit, we can eagerly anticipate Christ's return rather than fear it. This frees us from the hamster wheel of striving and transforms our perspective from fear to joyful expectation.