This Is Not a Drill

When the world grows quiet and lamps begin to dim, heaven does not sleep. Scripture tells us that at midnight the hour of deepest darkness a cry rang out: “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him” (Matthew 25:6). It was not a suggestion. It was not a whisper. It was a cry urgent, piercing, unavoidable.

Midnight is a strange hour. It is when men are most comfortable in their rest and most vulnerable in their neglect. It represents those moments in life when we assume there is still time, when tomorrow feels guaranteed (James 4:13–14), and repentance feels postponable. Yet it is precisely at midnight that God often speaks, disrupting our false security and calling us to awaken: “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (Ephesians 5:14).

The midnight cry is not addressed to the ignorant world alone; it is directed first to those who are waiting or think they are. The virgins in Jesus’ parable all had lamps (Matthew 25:1). They all looked prepared. They all heard the same announcement. Yet not all were ready (Matthew 25:8–9). The difference was not in appearance but in substance. Some carried oil; others did not.

Oil cannot be borrowed at the last hour. It cannot be purchased in a rush of panic. It is cultivated in secret places—through repentance (Acts 3:19), obedience (John 14:15), prayer (Luke 18:1), and a living relationship with Christ (John 15:4–5). Religion may light a lamp, but only the Holy Spirit keeps it burning (Zechariah 4:6; Romans 8:9).

The cry announces one great truth: Jesus Christ is coming again. Not as a suffering Lamb (Isaiah 53:7), but as a returning Bridegroom and righteous Judge (Revelation 19:11–16). His coming will interrupt markets, silence celebrations, and expose hearts, for “the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). On that day, titles, wealth, and applause will fade, leaving only one question: Were you ready? (Amos 4:12)

There is a sobering finality in the words, “And the door was shut” (Matthew 25:10). They remind us that grace, though abundant (Romans 5:20), is not indefinite (Genesis 6:3). Mercy has an appointed time (Isaiah 55:6). The same voice that calls today will one day close the door (Luke 13:25).

Yet the midnight cry is not only a warning it is an invitation. It is proof that God still speaks before the end, that He calls before judgment falls (Ezekiel 33:11). To hear the cry is grace. To respond is life (John 5:24).

Now is not the hour for delay, compromise, or spiritual sleep (Romans 13:11–12). This is the time to trim your lamp (Matthew 25:7), to seek the oil (Luke 11:13), and to turn fully to Christ (2 Corinthians 6:2). For blessed are those who are ready when the cry sounds—for they shall enter the wedding feast and rejoice forever (Matthew 25:10; Revelation 19:9).

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
(Matthew 25:13)