Hidden Things

I remember a few years back when the 3D hidden images posters were all the rage. Some of the images hidden in the nondescript pattern on the page seemed to literally jump off the page, while others caused me to walk away in frustration with the image still hidden from me. What was even more frustrating was when I was struggling to find the image, someone would walk up and right away say, “I see it!”

This familiar parable of the ten bridesmaids seems to be pretty obvious in its teaching – be prepared and stay awake. It’s right there, “I see it!” Both are important components of our faith journey and Jesus talks about such things in other places in scripture. (Mark 13:32-37, Matt 24:37-47) I believe there is one other image imbedded in this parable and that is the waiting. What do the bridesmaids do, what do we do as we await the coming of the bridegroom? This is a question of significant importance in our time when so many things pull our attention, the attention of our church, away from Christ’s promised, and possibly imminent, return.

Lord Christ, fill us with hope and anticipation, with a clear vision for what you would have us do and be in the "waiting time." Amen. — LH