Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 10, Jeremiah 14 and Matthew 25) for July 24th

Matthew 25 commenced with the parable of the ten virgins. Five were WISE and five were foolish. It illustrates the wisdom of being always prepared. Procrastination invariably catches up with those who are prone to it. That all ten virgins slept tells us that at the time of the end comparatively few of our Lord Jesus Christ's followers will be ready. Then follows the parable of the talents, and the keynote of the parable is faithfulness. We each have been given abilities and responsibilities that differ. What is important is that we fully utilise what we have been given; according to the principle to whom much is given, much is expected. Interestingly it was the one talent individual who totally misjudged our Lord Jesus Christ believing that he/she was not good enough for the Kingdom. What an entirely wrong perception for we are all only saved by grace and are no way worthy (of course there will be vast numbers of multi-talented individuals who have failed also). We must understand the gracious gift that is the good pleasure of our Heavenly Father to give His children the Kingdom. Perception is important and we must judge matters according to God's Word. The final judgment will be on the basis of our understanding of our Omnipotent Creator and his inestimable Son and so living. It is love-based rather than mere academic head knowledge. Read verses 34-46 aloud and consider if our actions measure up. Compare also Jeremiah's comments on what Josiah demonstrated in the knowing of his God in chapter 22 verses 15-16 of that prophecy.