Who Will Do, the Prep Work?

There was two people, who were both told that if they could complete a long journey, on foot, then they would be able to enjoy a Great Reward. Both people were not used to walking, at this point in time.

The first person thought, “I’m not very good at walking, perhaps I’ll just try, walking around the block.” Which they did, for a while. After a time, they thought, “I could now go a little bit further, maybe, I could go for a walk, around the local park.”
You maybe getting the idea by now. Little by little, the first person kept increasing the distance that they were walking, steadily over time.

The second person thought, “I don’t like walking, maybe I’ll do some of that tomorrow, when the conditions are a bit better. Today, I’m going to sit back and enjoy myself.”

Over time, the first person became fitter and fitter, where as the second person became, wider and wider.

The second person, would at times, make fun of the first. “You’re going out in that? You should just rest up like me, and enjoy the day.”

The first person would respond, “There is so much reward in getting outside and enjoying what’s available in the here and now. And on top of all that, I’ve got the Great Reward to look forward to, after the day of the journey comes. You should really come outside, and join me. Then you should be able to understand it that much better yourself.”

But the second person would have none of it, and just carried on, in their ways.

Then the day of the journey, suddenly came.

The first person, completed the journey. It was a bit of a task to do, but, because of all the prep work that they had done, they were ready for it. As such, they were able to complete the task, and then go and enjoy the Great Reward, that was waiting for them.

It was something rather different for the second person. They just didn’t have, what was needed for the journey.
There was plenty of moaning and groining about how hard and unfair it was. Why can’t I do it this or that way?
Then there was the pain and anguish, that followed.
The second person was unable to go back to their previous position, as that time had now passed. They were left with being on a constant journey, which they were unable to complete. On top of all that, they became lost in the wilderness, knowing only pain and suffering.

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I can understand that some may think that this is a bit of an extreme picture, but it came to me, as I was thinking about the extra oil that the wise virgins took in the parable that Jesus spoke in Mathew 25:1-13.

My thinking is that the extra oil, that the wise virgins took with them represents the extra prep work, that the wise virgins did, which only they were able to do, for themselves. Much like an exercise regime, can only benefit, the one who completes the regime.

In our walk, with Our Lord God, will we be like the first person or the second person, in the above picture?

If Our Lord God, asks to…
Go to church,
Attend a prayer meeting,
Read our bible,
Spend time in prayer with Him,
or just asks us to do …. .
Then what will our response be, to Him???

Will it be a response like the first or second person?
What will be the consequences of our response, to Our Lord God’s, prompting?

The final part of the parable, that Jesus spoke, can be some serious reading, especially for those who refuse to do any preparation.

Matthew 25:-10-13
¹⁰ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

¹¹ “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

¹² “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

¹³ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

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