Day 222..."Ammonites embarrass Israel...Stay Awake!"

The Ammonites embarrassed David's messengers by cutting their clothes off at the hip and shaving them. This humiliation was unnecessary! David's men came in goodwill but their mistreatment would lead to war and the Ammonites defeat. The victories of David continue to accumulate in I Chronicles. Isaiah speaks of a time in the future with no death and tears..."He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces." We will read this again in Isaiah 65:19. The parable today advises to stay awake. The theme of staying alert is the same as the ten virgins with their lamps. Readiness is part of the disciple's life. We never know what the future holds and we want to be ready for whatever God has in mind. Our life can change quickly and we certaintly want to live, as if we are ready to die. We also want to live in anticipation of the coming of the Kingdom of God!