Jesus’ call to readiness flows from His kingship. The One who says “be ready” is the King of kings (Rev. 19:16) to whom all authority has been given (Matt. 28:18). His return is not random but the sovereign King fulfilling His decree (Acts 17:31). Readiness, then, is royal allegiance—living today under the King’s rule while we await the public unveiling of that rule. The heart that walks with Christ today will not be afraid to meet Him tomorrow.

In His parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13), Jesus portrayed this readiness vividly. All ten were waiting for the bridegroom, but only five carried extra oil for their lamps. When the midnight cry came—“Behold, the bridegroom cometh!”—the foolish virgins discovered too late that their lamps had gone out. The wise, whose lamps still burned, entered the wedding feast while the door was shut to the unprepared. Their oil represents the presence of the Holy Spirit and a faith continually nourished by daily fellowship with Christ. Spiritual preparation cannot be borrowed or done in haste; it must be cultivated in advance. The parable reminds us that the time for readiness is now, not when the trumpet sounds.

History offers a sobering parallel. Before World War II, Britain called Singapore an “impregnable fortress.” Its heavy coastal guns and fixed defenses were built to repel a naval assault from the south. But in December 1941, Japanese forces advanced rapidly down the Malayan Peninsula from the north—on bicycles and with air superiority—outflanking positions designed for a sea attack. By early February 1942, they had reached the Johor Strait. Singapore’s great guns had mostly armor-piercing shells suited for ships, not infantry; the defenders were stretched thin, short of aircraft, and increasingly cut off from reservoirs and supplies. Soon, swift crossings, relentless air strikes, and bold thrusts shattered the lines. With water threatened, fuel dumps burning, and civilians suffering, the garrison surrendered on February 15, 1942. The “fortress” was strong—just not where it mattered. It had prepared for yesterday’s threat while unready for today’s reality. Likewise, polished lamps without oil cannot meet the midnight cry. True readiness watches the right horizon and renews vigilance daily.

“Soon there will appear in the heavens the King of kings, and those who have kept the faith of Jesus will rejoice in His triumph.” (Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 632)

Prayer: Lord, keep our lamps burning with the oil of Your Spirit. Teach us to live each day in readiness, walking closely with You so that when the midnight cry is heard, we may rise with joy to meet You. Amen.