The Bridegroom Is Coming
Scripture
“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” Matthew 25:6 KJV
Devotion
Jesus described His return using the image of a wedding.
In the parable of the ten virgins, the bridegroom represents Christ, and the waiting virgins represent those who are expecting His arrival. They were waiting for the moment when the bridegroom would come and the celebration would begin.
But the bridegroom delayed.
As time passed, the waiting became long, and the night grew quiet. Eventually, all of them fell asleep. Then suddenly, at midnight, the cry rang out.
“The bridegroom cometh.”
Everything changed in that moment.
Those who were prepared rose with their lamps burning and went out to meet him. Those who had not prepared found themselves scrambling for what they had neglected to bring.
Jesus used this story to remind His followers that His return will come suddenly, and readiness matters.
The message is not meant to create fear.
It is meant to awaken love and anticipation.
The church is described in Scripture as the bride of Christ. His return is not only a moment of judgment. It is also the moment when the Bridegroom comes for His people.
The question is not whether He is coming.
The question is whether our hearts are living ready to meet Him.
Reflection
If the cry went out today that the Bridegroom had come, would your heart be ready?
What does it mean for you personally to live with that readiness?
Extended Insight
The imagery of the bridegroom in Matthew 25 reflects the wedding customs of the ancient world. A bridegroom would come at an unexpected time to bring the bride and the wedding party into the celebration.
Those waiting needed to remain prepared because the exact moment of arrival was unknown.
Jesus used this imagery to teach about His return. The waiting period between His first coming and His return requires believers to remain spiritually ready.
The parable emphasizes preparation, watchfulness, and a personal relationship with the Bridegroom.
When the cry is heard that the bridegroom has come, those who are ready will rise to meet Him with joy.
Prayer
Father, help my heart live with the awareness that Christ will return.
Teach me to remain spiritually prepared and close to You. Fill my life with the oil of a real relationship with You so that my lamp continues to burn.
Help me live each day ready to meet the Bridegroom.
Amen.