Devotional Journal: Reflection on snowstorm of January 2026 & Matthew 25:1-13
If there is one thing that this past snowstorm has taught me is this: “Stay ready!”. What do I mean by this? It is being prepared in the know of what is coming. It is having all your necessities and being proactive when the storm has ceased. For what we do before, during, and after will determine the level of preparedness or the consequences for the lack of it.
You had those who went out to remove snow from their cars in the midst of the snow storm. While it’s smart to get ahead of the game, the issue with this method is running into the possibility of doing double the work. Others came out during primetime, which was as soon as the snow/ice ceased from falling. At that time the snow was easy to remove from cars, sidewalks, and roads. The last group were the “late comers” who struggled and had to conjure more strength to remove what was once soft snow that turned into cement ice. Wisdom will always be needed to do things in the most efficient way. Which one parable of Jesus shows us the importance of wisdom and preparedness.
The parable I’m referring to is the “Parable of the Ten Virgins” that Jesus shared (Matthew 25:1-13). Now, I know the comparison is drastic, but the core principle is still the same. The premise of this parable is about ten virgins who set out to meet the bridegroom. All ten virgins were equal in the sense that each one had an opportunity to meet the bridegroom. However, as you read more into the story you notice one very important detail that was different regarding five of the virgins. A set of five were wise and the other five were not. The five that were wise did not do anything special to set themselves apart. They did not obtain “special revelation” or even knew when the bridegroom was coming. They simply took what was known and prepared for what was by taking oil with them. When the bridegroom came, the five wise virgins were able to attend the wedding. The other five suffered tremendously and lost out. This was all due to their lack of preparedness.
What we all must take to heart is preparation. Preparation of what is to come. Situations that are known and the curved balls of life that come out of nowhere. We may not know the time when God will call us home. We do know that He eventually will. When He does, you and I must be prepared when He asks us about our relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. Did we take the extra “oil” with us which is the truth about His life, death, and resurrection. Were we unwise and did not take His gift of salvation to heart? May we be wise and anticipate the bridegroom.
25 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.-Matthew 25:1-13
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2025. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
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