Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Jan/84

Contributor - Bill Lensink

Title - Let Us Be A Mature Church

Topic - Witnessing

Then shall the Kingdom be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Matt. 25:1

There is not a more beautiful picture of the Church of Jesus Christ than that which our Lord himself gives us here. One sees a group of bridesmaids, purified as virgins, dressed in white, in joyful happy company, awaiting with great anticipation the arrival of the Bridegroom, who will take them into the Father's House to celebrate that great wedding ceremony, the marriage Feast of the Lamb. They carry their lamps into the darkness which surrounds them. In that light they reveal themselves to showing their own radiant beauty and joy. Their joy is obvious and contagious. They show the way in the dark world and their purpose and direction in life is very obvious. They anticipate the future with great joy and hope - they long for new beginnings. They attract others into their fellowship easily, displaying a lifestyle that reflects faith, hope and love. All people want to be loved and accepted, people thrive on genuine friendship. That is the type of Church our Lord describes and for which He came to earth to purchase this Bride with His own life.

Notice that in this group of bridesmaids all ten carry their lamps. There are no exceptions, there is not one leader showing the way, doing all the work with the rest staying behind. Our Lord says to all of his followers: You are the light of the world, let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.

We are to take our lamps into the darkness of this world. So many people are totally in the dark about the Good News of Salvation and Redemption; totally unaware of their need for a Saviour. Imagine the number of people who have never heard, that Jesus Christ came to save them from the penalty of Sin, that He wants to save them from the power of Sin and that He comes again to save them from the presence of Sin. The spiritual darkness all around us is indeed alarming. Just as that diagnostic question: Have you come to the place in your spiritual life, where you know for certain, that if you were to die today, you would go to Heaven? Then begin to add up all the doubts and the no's. In that dark night of 1984 we may proclaim that the Bridegroom is coming. He has promised that in My Father's House there are many mansions, I go to prepare a place for you and I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

So the question is not: Is our church involved in effective outreach and evangelism, but rather, do we show the radiant beauty of that bridal procession on our way to meet the Bridegroom? Are our attitudes and joys so contagious that others want to join our company? Are we so outgoing that we easily include new people in our fellowship, are our worship services so real and meaningful that we excite others and attract them to worship with us?

Let us never be caught slumbering and sleeping at midnight, when the Bridegroom comes. We are to be watching and waiting, living out our hope and joy in anticipation of His Coming again.

The foolish maidens only put on a performance and went through the motions of worship. May we always be Maranatha people, showing and sharing our faith, hope and love all around us.

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