If you grew up in the 90’s or had kids who grew up in the 90’s the words be prepared may stir memories of good old Scar. You know, brother of Mufasa, uncle of Simba, all around bad guy. And, like every devious Disney character, he gets his moment to sing the song that lays out all his evil plans.

So prepare for a chance of a lifetime
Be prepared for sensational news
A shining new era is tiptoeing nearer

While the number in its entirety is about killing the king and his son so that Scar himself can take over the kingdom, some truth can still be found in his words.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is speaking to his disciples preparing them for his imminent departure. He tells story after story probably hoping that at least one will speak to each of his loyal followers. In Chapter 25, we read the story of the ten bridesmaids (or virgins, depending on your translation). Five women leave thinking only of the final outcome while the five others leave prepared for multiple outcomes. When the first five run out of lamp oil, they try to convince the other five to share. In the end, the first five miss out entirely on the final outcome they were initially anticipating.

The moral of the story: be prepared.

Just because you are planning for one outcome, doesn’t mean that another can’t happen. It’s cliché, I know, but things don’t always work out like you plan. Jesus is warning his disciples of this very thing.

So stay awake and be prepared, because you do no know the day or the hour of my return.

Matthew 25:13 (NLT)

If we don’t continually keep ourselves prepared for any outcome, we may miss the big event—the chance of a lifetime, sensational news, that shining new era.

Set your heart on Jesus like the bridesmaids did the groom, but be prepared for anything. The road might not be the one you planned, but like Simba, you may find yourself some crazy friends and end up better off in the end.

Daily Bible reading: Leviticus 4-6, Matthew 25:1-30