Will You "Keep on the Watch"?

HOW HAVE THE ANOINTED APPLIED THE COUNSEL OF THE PARABLE?

In the parable,  Jesus emphasizes that unlike the foolish virgins, the discreet virgins were ready when the bridegroom came. Why? Because they were prepared and watchful. All ten virgins needed to remain alert and to keep their lamps burning during the night. Unlike the foolish virgins, the five discreet virgins were prepared because they brought extra oil along with their lamps. How have faithful anointed Christians prepared for Jesus' arrival?

The anointed are prepared to fulfill their assignment until the end. They realize that their service to God will require giving up material comforts found in Satan's world, but they are willing to do so.  They are determined to serve Jehovah loyally, not because the end is near, but because they love him and his Son.  They keep their integrity and do not allow the world's  materialistic, immoral, and selfish attitudes to affect them. Like the discreet virgins who were ready with their lamps, the anointed continue shining brightly, patiently, waiting for the arrival of the Bridegroom, even if it may seem to be delayed. -Philippians 2:15.

The discreet virgins were also ready for the bridegroom's arrival because they were watchful.  But in the parable, all ten virgins "became drowsy and fell asleep" while waiting for the bridegroom who seemed  to be delayed. So is it possible for anointed Christian today to "fall asleep," that is, to become distracted while waiting for Christ's arrival?  Yes. Jesus knew that even a person who is willing and eager could become weak and distracted while waiting for his arrival. So faithful anointed Christian have worked even harder to keep on the watch. How so? In the parable, all ten virgins responded to the shout:  "Here is the bridegroom!" But only the discreet virgins remained watchful.  (Matthew 25:5, 6; 26:41) Similarly, during the last days, faithful anointed Christians have responded to the shout:  "Here is the bridegroom!" They have accepted the strong evidence that Jesus is about to come, and they are ready for his arrival."  Let us next examine the end of Jesus' parable, which focuses on  a specific time period.

Next time: Will You "Keep on the Watch"? -REWARD FOR THE DISCREET AND PUNISHMENT FOR THE FOOLISH

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015