In Matthew 25, we read the parable of the ten virgins. Five were foolish: they took their lamps but brought no extra oil when they went out to meet the bridegroom. Five were wise: they took their lamps and brought extra oil. When the bridegroom arrived, the wise virgins were ready and went out to meet him; but the foolish virgins, whose lamps were burning out, had gone to buy more oil. When they returned, it was too late; the wise virgins had already entered the wedding banquet, and no amount of begging or pounding on the door could get them in. When they tried, the bridegroom replied, “I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.”

Don’t wait until the last minute, scrambling to get ready, trying to look the part based on what you know about God. Jesus is coming back, and our desire is that everyone reading this would be “found ready” through a lifestyle of being with God, following His Word, and living in His presence.

So this is the invitation: let’s fill our jars now. Let’s use the biblical principles of discipleship and community, along with the weekly guide, to deepen our conversations with God, posture our hearts in purity and humility, and create space in our everyday lives to experience the love, presence, and power of Jesus.

This is your invitation to dine with the King instead of living in the drive-thru. This is your invitation to intimacy. And intimacy is your invitation to follow Jesus and be known and loved by him.

…welcome to follow.