Jesus further described the idea of preparation being linked to flexibility in Matthew 25. The parable of the ten virgins is an allegory for the second coming of Christ. I’ve always thought of these virgins as bridesmaids, waiting for the groom to come and for the celebration to start. They had to be flexible since they didn’t know when he was coming. But they had to be prepared too. Half of them were prepared to wait a long time for the bridegroom by having extra oil for their lamps. The other half ran out of oil and had to go to a store to buy some more, and thus missed the bridegroom and weren’t allowed in late.
Here is the crux of the matter. The preparation we are called to do is to keep watch and to make good use of what God has given us. God gives us resources and leads us to work on specific tasks for a reason. The very preparation Noah embodied by building the ark should have been a warning to his culture. Similarly, we are called to be constantly doing what God has called us to do – taking care of others and letting our light shine to remind others that Jesus is coming. But we must be flexible and adaptable enough to allow God to move us and guide us wherever He wants.
How similar this concept is to that of the church musician! As in the very first chapter, a musician needs to do the hard work of learning the foundations of music, studying and practicing until scales and harmony come naturally, before being ready for sudden changes in plan. Pianists practice scales not because the scales themselves are beautiful music, but because the same finger patterns and techniques are used in many other pieces of music. Scales build finger muscles and flexibility.
So must the Christian develop themselves by the hard work of studying and memorizing God’s word, practicing His commands, communicating with God through prayer, and growing relationships with other believers. This is the preparation God wants from us. This is the preparation that will then allow us to be flexible and flow into whatever good works God has prepared for us to do.
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Matthew 25:13