Meeting God at Midnight
Scripture Reading — Matthew 25:1-13
“The others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘… I don’t know you.’”
Matthew 25:11-12
In just a few more days the year 2010 will come to an end. The passing of another year is a reminder that all of history will someday come to an end. God himself has set the clock of history, and at the point called midnight, the present age will end.
The passing of another year is also a reminder that God is in control, and when the clock of history strikes twelve, the Lord whose birth we just celebrated will come again. And when that final moment comes, the most important point for us will be to be ready to meet our Lord.
In the parable of the ten virgins the Lord Jesus compares his second coming to a wedding. His coming again calls for a celebration, one that Christians eagerly anticipate. Those who know him as Lord and Savior have every reason to look forward to the day when he will come again.
But knowing that he will come again requires preparation. We must be ready to meet him.
That’s where the foolish virgins missed the point. They made no preparations to meet the bridegroom. And when he came, they were left outside with the door shut in their faces.
As you approach the end of another year, ask yourself, “Am I ready to meet God at midnight, whenever that may be?”
Holy Spirit, help us to live in such a way that we can meet our Savior when he calls us or comes again. We pray in his name. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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