21 Nov December 31st Daily Devotion

 TIME IS FLYING BY

Matthew 25:6-8 (Read entire parable in Matthew 25:1-13) “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “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.’”

Tempus fugit!  This is a famous Latin phrase which translated into English means time flies.  Tempus fugit originates in book III of Virgil’s “Georgics” where the full phrase was “but time meanwhile is flying, flying beyond recall.” (effectivilogy.com)

Virgil’s famous phrase reminds me of Jesus’ parable about the Ten Virgins, five who were wise and five were foolish.  They were waiting for the appearance of the bridegroom but had no idea when he would arrive.  Five made provision with full lamps and a reserve supply of lamp oil just in case it took longer for his appearance.  The other five only had the oil in their lamps.  It became very late and the five who were not prepared with extra oil realized they would run out.  While they were out getting more oil the bridegroom arrived.  (Matthew 25:1-13)

The parable concerns the return of Jesus Christ at the Parousia. (End of the world)  We all know the end of the world is coming, we just don’t know precisely when.  What we do know is that every second, hour, day, week, month, and year takes us closer to that time.  Those of us who are older are more keenly aware than we were when we were younger, that day is coming quickly.  Tempus fugit!  Time is truly flying by, isn’t it?

The year 2024 ends at midnight tonight.  Another year will pass when the crystal ball drops, the clock chimes 12, the computer clock automatically turns to a new year.  So it is with your life and the day when the bridegroom (Jesus) will arrive for you.  You know not when but you know time is flying.  Jesus said to His Disciples in the Garden and He says to you, “watch and pray lest you enter into temptation.”  As Jesus’ parable of the Ten Virgins teaches, always have your spiritual house in order for you know not when He will return for you.

He is coming.  He promised, “I will come and take you to be with Me.  Where I am there you will be also.” (John 14:3-10)

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for Your blessings throughout the year 2024.  Send Your Spirit to prepare me through Your word and the sacraments Jesus so I am ready when you return.  In Your holy name.  Amen.

“Wake, awake, for night is flying,”

The watchmen on the heights are crying;

“Awake, Jerusalem, arise!”

Midnight hears the welcome voices

And at the thrilling cry rejoices;

“Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise?

The Bridegroom comes, awake!

Your lamps with gladness take!

Alleluia!

With bridal care Yourselves prepare

To meet the Bridegroom, who is near.”

Zion hears the watchmen singing,

And all her heart with joy is springing;

She wakes, she rises from her gloom.

For her Lord comes down all-glorious,

The strong in grace, in truth victorious;

Her star is ris’n, her light is come.

Now come, Thou blessed One,

Lord Jesus, God’s own Son,

Hail! Hosanna!

We enter all The wedding hall

To eat the Supper at Thy call.

Now let all the heav’ns adore Thee,

Let saints and angels sing before Thee

With harp and cymbals’ clearest tone.

Of one pearl each shining portal,

Where, joining with the choir immortal,

We gather round Thy radiant throne.

NO eye has seen the light,

No ear has heard the might

Of Thy glory;

Therefore will we

Eternally

Sing hymns of praise and joy to Thee!

(LSB 516)