THEY ALL SLUMBERED AND SLEPT.

August 29

Matthew 25:5  

While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 

When we think of the warnings Jesus has given, the promises He has made, and the precepts He has delivered, we are ready to conclude that His people must be always active and always happy.

But when we look around us, or when we look at our own course, we are obligated to lament that this is not the case.

Jesus is gone to receive a kingdom and to return: He has given talents to His servants, and TO EVERY MAN HIS WORK, and commanded the porter to watch.

But it is said of the wise as well as the foolish virgins, “THEY ALL SLUMBERED AND SLEPT.“

Are we awake to our duties, to our privileges, to our expectation?

Are we looking, longing, and preparing for the coming of Jesus?

Are we sober and vigilant, because our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, is going about seeking whom he may devour?

Are we active for God?

Are we hasting home?

Do we pass the time of our sojourning here in fear?

Is the talent in a napkin? Or at the bank?

Let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober.

Behold the judge standeth before the door.

It is high time to awake out of sleep, for our redemption draws nigh.

He comes, He comes to call

The nations to His bar;

And take to glory all

 Who meet for glory are;

Make ready for your full reward;

Go forth with joy to meet the Lord.

James Smith