Engagement Marc Wälz and Stephanie Schnitzer – Prepare for the Bridegroom

Matthew 25:1–13; “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

The parable of the ten virgins is one of Jesus’ most searching warnings. All ten were waiting for the bridegroom. All carried lamps. Outwardly, they appeared the same. Yet when the bridegroom finally arrived, a painful difference became evident: five were prepared, and five were not.

This sobering account reminds us that it is possible to be part of the congregation, to attend church faithfully, and even to profess faith in Christ, while still lacking the spiritual reality that God desires. The question is not whether we know about Jesus, but whether He knows us. Have we truly surrendered our lives to Him, or are we merely maintaining an outward appearance of Christianity?

The foolish virgins were not rejected because they lacked information; they were rejected because they had neglected to prepare. They had every opportunity to obtain the oil they needed, yet they delayed until it was too late. Likewise, God graciously gives us opportunities to deal with the things that separate us from Him. The Holy Spirit faithfully convicts us of sin and calls us to repentance. Yet how often do we ignore His voice, hoping that our spiritual condition will somehow improve on its own? Sin never resolves itself. Left unchecked, it robs us of our joy, destroys our fellowship with God, and gradually hardens our hearts.

The oil in the parable points us to the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. A life that is ready for Christ is marked by a living relationship with Him, a heart that responds to His conviction, and a willingness to walk in obedience. Such readiness is cultivated through prayer, diligent study of God’s Word, faithful fellowship, and a sincere desire to please the Lord. Spiritual laziness has no place in the life of one who is waiting expectantly for the Bridegroom.

One of the striking lessons of this parable is that spiritual readiness cannot be borrowed. When the foolish virgins asked the wise to share their oil, they were told to obtain their own. In the same way, no one can rely on the faith of parents, friends, or fellow believers. Every person must personally respond to God’s invitation, confess sin, and enter into a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians  11:2   For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Outward appearances can be deceptive. A person may appear devoted and respected, while inwardly struggling with unresolved sin and spiritual conflict. God looks beyond what others see and examines the heart. He desires a pure Bride—people whose lives have been cleansed by the blood of Christ and who are faithfully preparing for His return.

The wonderful hope of the gospel is that Jesus has done everything necessary for our salvation. He left the glory of heaven, suffered, shed His precious blood, and died so that sinners might be forgiven, cleansed, and brought into fellowship with God. His sacrifice makes it possible for us to become part of His Bride, prepared for the great day when He returns.

The Bridegroom is coming. Though we do not know the day or the hour, His return is certain. Therefore, now is the time to respond to His call. If the Holy Spirit is revealing something that needs to be confessed or made right, do not delay. God’s grace is available today. Through repentance and faith in Christ, every sinner can be forgiven, restored, and made ready for that glorious day when the Bridegroom comes for His Bride.

May each of us be found watching, prepared, and joyfully awaiting the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.