The last week has seen a huge drain on petrol and diesel supplies across the UK, as shortage of delivery drivers has led to people struggling to buy fuel.

Jesus told a story of some people who ran out of fuel. He told a parable about 10 young women who were waiting to be attendants an evening wedding celebration. But some were wise. They made sure they had spare fuel for their lamps. The bridegroom was delayed, arriving at midnight. The lamps of the foolish ones had gone out. They had to try to find somewhere to buy fuel. When they returned, the door to the marriage feast was shut. The wise ones were all inside, enjoying the wedding celebrations.

The point of the parable is that we need to be ready for the coming of the Lord Jesus. He is the bridegroom and true believers are his bride. The oil for our lamps is the word of God. We don’t have to queue for it; we don’t need our credit cards. It is free for all who want to be like lights shining in a dark world, prepared for the coming of their Lord. By reading God’s word every day, we can be sure our lights will not go out.

You can read the parable in Matthew 25:1-13

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Emma Raducanu’s tennis victory was stunning. It certainly makes history. One newspaper described her as having ‘gained immortality’.

No doubt she will be revered and remembered for a very long time. This is not, however, immortality.

Immortality means living for ever; and this also requires being unable to do wrong – unable to sin. Like God, in fact. And only God has immortality as a natural characteristic.

…the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords,who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power.

1 Timothy 6: 15-16

Only one member of the human race has gained immortality: Jesus Christ.

knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.

Romans 6:9

Everyone else who has died remains dead. But the amazing gospel message is that God also offers us immortality and a nature like His.

… have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

This is the reward of Jesus’ true followers when he returns to the earth.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.

1 Corinthians 15:22-23

While Emma may be famous for a very long time, none of us has yet ‘gained immortality’. But we can have it in the future if we really want it and become a real disciple of Jesus Christ: now.

We have recently had several elections across the country. There have been surprises and shocks. Some people are disillusioned with the system and do not vote or take much interest. Others campaign tirelessly for particular causes and chosen candidates trying to make allies. And making promises to improve life.

The Bible makes amazing promises. These centre on Jesus Christ, and a transformed life. God’s guaranteed plan is for him to return to the earth to rule fairly.

He [God} has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising him from the dead.

Acts 17:31

This is our hope. This is our campaign. In the first century the apostles risked life and limb to preach this. Their message was strong and compulsive. God is going to act. He has warned us. We have no excuse to be surprised or shocked when these dramatic events finally unfold. God has elected His son Jesus to rule the world. There will be a change. A permanent change.

He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.

Luke 1:33

He will judge Your [God’s] people with righteousness, and Your poor with justice…he will save the children of the needy, and will break in pieces the oppressor…in his days the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea…all nations shall serve him

Psalm 72: 2-11

The apostles urged, pleaded and begged people to believe. To believe and then to act. They asked people to ally themselves to Jesus. We try to do the same. It is the ultimate election campaign.

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