Over the last few weeks the talk of the town has been all about the Giants. I'm amazed at how many are fair-weather fans who haven't been to a game in a long while. As the Giants entered the Playoffs and then World Series, people lined up to purchase anything Giant at the dug out store. Some waited several hours in line to make their purchase and advertise their support. Fans who have been fans all along already had their t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, hats and posters.
I'm reminded of the parable that Jesus taught in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, about His return and gathering of the church together. It is a story about ten virgins waiting for the groom to appear. In a Jewish wedding ceremony, the bride and groom would separate for about a year to prepare. The groom to build a house and the bride to get herself ready. On the day of the wedding, friends would gather and wait for the groom to come and claim the bride. The entourage would then return to the new home and a party would begin. In this story, 5 of the 10 virgins did not have enough oil in their lamps, so their lights were going out. As the time neared for the groom to appear, they had to leave their positions to find more oil. Upon their return, they realized their mistake because the groom had already come and the wedding feast had begun. They begged to be let in but the groom said he didn't know them.
To put this in baseball perspective: the real fan followed the team, knew the players and schedule, the scores and the standing. They had their fan gear and tickets in hand. When it came to the playoffs and the World Series, they were ready to go. Some say they are a fan of Jesus but do not go the distance with Him. They go through out their lives as if Jesus will never return. Sure, they attend church...at Easter and Christmas, and at the occasional wedding or funeral. They know enough about Jesus but never follow through with an act of faith or actions that would prove their faith. They give Jesus lip service but have no room in their heart.
When Jesus comes, it will be His true followers (fans) who are tracking with Him, who love Him and want to know Him more and serve Him with all their hearts. Are you a true friend of Jesus or a fair-weather follower? I do not presume to judge you if you are, because I do not know your heart. But Jesus does. Either Jesus knows you or He does not. Either you have put your faith in Him or you have not. But this you can be certain of: there is a coming day when Jesus will return. Will He find you ready?
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
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