WILL JESUS FIND US WATCHING?

"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' 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. Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said, 'Open the door for us!' But he replied, 'I tell you the truth I don't know you.' Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matt 25:7-13, NIV).  It was probably this Bible story that motivated the famous blind hymn writer, Fanny Crosby, to pen the words of this hymn in 1875.  From reading about her life one can quickly understand that she looked forward to the Lord's return and probably looked for it each day.  Today it is very easy for us to say that we also are looking for the return of the Lord.  But are we really?   We often look forward to a day when our pain and sicknesses will be gone, a day when we can live in peace,  a day when all problems will disappear.  But we probably also hope that His return doesn't come today because we have so much here in this life that we still want to accomplish.  And our goals and daily activities probably reflect that.  So are we really ready if He should return today?  Or are we like the foolish virgins in the text?  Maybe our lives would be different and more meaningful and even more powerful if we would begin each day saying "Maybe this is the day that the Lord will return" or "Lord, come quickly" and then living the next 24 hours in real anticipation of His coming.  So the question is will we be ready when He does return?  "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back  - whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' " (Mark 13:32-33, 35-37).

1    When Jesus comes to reward His servants,

Whether it be noon or night,

Faithful to Him will He find us watching,

With our lamps all trimmed and bright?

Oh, can we say we are ready, brother?

Ready for the soul's bright home?

Say, will He find you and me still watching,

Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

2    If, at the dawn of the early morning,

He shall call us one by one,

When to the Lord we restore our talents,

Will He answer thee--"Well done"? 

Oh, can we say we are ready, brother?

Ready for the soul's bright home?

Say, will He find you and me still watching,

Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

3    Have we been true to the trust He left us?

Do we seek to do our best?

If in our hearts there is naught condemns us,

We shall have a glorious rest.

Oh, can we say we are ready, brother?

Ready for the soul's bright home?

Say, will He find you and me still watching,

Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

4    Blessed are those whom the Lord finds watching,

In His glory they shall share;

If He shall come at the dawn or midnight,

Will He find us watching there? 

Oh, can we say we are ready, brother?

Ready for the soul's bright home?

Say, will He find you and me still watching,

Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

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