“But he replied, ‘I assure you: I do not know you!’” Matthew 25:12 (HCSB)
Recently I had a dream where I had gotten up early in the morning and was preaching to perhaps 100 women who were fast asleep in a bed! They did not rouse at all! There are many would-be-bride’s who are slumbering in an hour they should be up fighting!
Not all who think they’re a part of the Bride of Christ actually are! Jesus gave a terrifying parable about ten maidens, or as most translations say, virgins! These ten ladies all had prepared themselves for a wedding. Though only five were actually ready! The other five, truly believed were ready, but were not! They were sincerely wrong. Ultimately the door to the wedding banquet was closed and when they tried to get in, the Bridegroom answered, “I don’t know you!” Though the story talks about the oil, what actually kept them outside was not “knowing” the Bridegroom!
To know someone is to spend time with them. Apparently the five virgins who had the extra oil, had taken the time to build a relationship with the Groom. They learned what was important to Him. They chose to do what He was doing rather than what they wanted to do. They learned to hear His voice and follow Him wherever He led (John 10:27). They were not simply Sunday Christians, but one’s who chased after Him with all their heart.
Today there are many who think they are part of the Bride just because they call themselves “Christian!” Today, though the true Bride has prepared herself, and her gown is white and radiant, she is wearing combat boots. Now is the day to engage in battle! Many could be brides are fast asleep, while the remnant Bride is actively fighting a battle for their King. A call is coming to wake up, even shake up, the slumbering bride to be! But she must wake up! The dress may be on, but their combat boots are nowhere to be found. BTW, there is a day coming when the Bride will finally get to take off these boots and be escorted down the aisle at the wedding feast of the Lamb! But until then, the boots must remain on her feet. Jesus is coming for a Bride whom He knows, who has truly readied herself!
“Let us be glad, rejoice, and give Him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has prepared herself.” Revelation 19:7 (HCSB)
Cry out for the bride to awaken! Ask Him to ignite even greater fire and passion in you! Thank the Lord that He has awakened you and is allowing you to fight the good battle for the faith in this hour. Ask Him to release even greater weaponry, faith and battle skills in this time as you fight to free and awaken His true bride!
