this is how we ready ourselves for the return of Jesus.

PASSAGES: Matthew 25:1-13

in the parable of the 10 virgins found in Matthew 25, Jesus says this terrifying statement to those who ran out of oil: “depart from me, for I do not know you.” notice Jesus did not say “I never knew you.” He said, “I do not currently know you.” this gives us clarity on what it means to buy oil. it means, “create fresh history and fresh intimacy with Jesus.” everyone started with oil in the parable, but only half had oil when the Bridegroom returned. it’s not about being in love in your early years.

It’s about enduring to the end and being more in love
in your last days than you were in your early days.

this is how we abide in the vine.

PASSAGES: John 15, Psalm 27:4, 1 Thes. 5:17, Matt. 6:5-15, 1 Cor. 14:18, Eph. 6:18

the disciples only asked Jesus to teach them one thing in the gospels. “teach us to pray.” it is critical that we learn how to pray. this isn’t about blessing your meals and capping off the day with a list of a few requests before you drift off to sleep. this is about learning how to talk to God.

this is about joining Him in His continual intercession. hearing His voice. gazing on His beauty. dwelling in His presence. dialoguing with Him always throughout our days. setting aside hours of our day to be with Him. this is how we abide.

this is how we keep our hearts tender.

PASSAGES: Matt. 6:16-18, Matt. 9:14-15

Jesus said, “when the Bridegroom is taken away, they will fast.” in Matthew 6 he says, “when you fast.” there is an expectation from Jesus that His people will fast. He Himself modeled this throughout His three years of ministry.

and even now, Jesus is fasting from the fruit of the vine until He drinks it anew with us in His Father’s Kingdom. when we fast, our heart is tenderized and made sensitive again to what’s on the heart of Jesus.

this is how we remain free from fear as things play out.

PASSAGES: Daniel 11:33, Matt. 24, Luke 21

Daniel 11 speaks of a people with understanding of the end times that will teach many. understanding the biblical narrative regarding the end times will not only keep yourself free from fear, but it’ll allow you to help equip other believers to be prepared themselves.

Jesus prophesied in Luke 21 that fear will be so intense that people will be fainting because of it. it’s critical that we understand what the Word of God says will take place in the generation leading to the return of Jesus. we may not be able to know the day or the hour, but God commands us to know the season.

this is how we fulfill our Gentile destiny.

PASSAGES: Romans 9:2-5, Romans 10:1, Romans 11:13-16, 25-26, Isaiah 40:1-11, Isaiah 62:1, 6-7)

Jesus is extremely Jewish. and Israel will be at the center of the world’s focus in the generation leading to His return. persecution far surpassing the Holocaust is coming to the Jewish people. and the Church will have a chance to redeem themselves in the way they stand with Israel this time around.

the apostle Paul interceded ferociously in Romans 9 and 10 for the salvation of Israel. the Lord commands His people to do the same in Isaiah 40. this is a vast subject, but rest assured, it is not a side issue. one of the ways God’s people will be recognized in the days ahead is whether or not they stand with Israel as antisemitism increases around the world.

this is how we remain unoffended at His judgements.

PASSAGES: John 3, Hosea 1-3, Isaiah 62:4-5

Jesus is just as much a Bridegroom as He is a King, a Savior, a Judge, etc. we must have this understanding as He begins to release His end time judgements upon the earth. Jesus is not a heartless Judge.

He’s a jealous Bridegroom committed to removing anything that would hinder love between Him and His people. and He will have His vengeance on all that opposed and came against His Bride.

this is how we avoid the traps of our enemies and give room for the Lord to vindicate us in His timing and in His way.

PASSAGES: Matt. 27:12-14, Mark 14:4-9, John 12:4-7, Zechariah 3:1-5

this does not mean we don’t confess our sins to our brothers and repent of wrongdoing. but as the accuser rages and as accusations against the saints increase, the Lord is inviting us to keep our mouths closed. don’t respond to the bait.

Jesus Himself modeled this for us when He stood before Pilate and the Sanhedrin. as lies and false accusations were hurled His way, He said nothing. Zechariah chapter 3 - even in the filthiness of his sin, Joshua the High Priest stood in silence before the Throne of God and the accusations of Satan.

and eventually God shut the mouth of the Devil and gave Joshua clean robes and a fresh turban. this will be very difficult, but as we subject ourselves and our reputations to the Lord, He Himself will vindicate us in due time.