As I watched the interview with the Saudi executioner Video Interview and Transcript, I thought about the parable of the 10 virgins awaiting their groom. If you recall, five of them had oil when the groom returned, five didn't. The parable came as Jesus was describing the way things would be upon His return. In other words, Jesus tells us that 50% of those who are waiting for His return will find that they're not as spiritual as they think. 

Friends, that's why we must get out of the spiritual shallows. For example, trusting others to tell us what the Bible says is dangerous -- especially in our times. Jesus and the writers of the New Testament tell us that, when the end-time comes, there will be false prophets and teachers who will deceive many. This being the case, it's no wonder 50% of us will be unprepared.

In his interview, the Saudi executioner said that he would sometimes first attempt to mediate between those bringing the charges and the accused. This reminded me of an account in the Old Testament book of Daniel. There we read:

So the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they looked for Daniel and his friends to kill them. Then Daniel replied with discretion and discernment to Arioch, the captain of the king's bodyguard, who had gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon; he said to Arioch, the king's commander, "For what reason is the decree from the king so urgent?" Then Arioch informed Daniel about the matter. So Daniel went in and requested of the king that he would give him time, in order that he might declare the interpretation to the king (Daniel 2:13-16 New American Standard Bible).

For the king's executioner, it was just a job. But for Daniel and his three Jewish friends, it was a matter of life or death. In order to survive, Daniel and his friends would have to escape the spiritual shallows. The king was asking for the impossible. But, Daniel believed their God could do the impossible. The king wanted his dream interpreted, but wouldn't say what the dream was. Daniel and his friends prayed and asked God to reveal the king's dream. The Bible tells us that God answered their prayer and saved their lives.

We know from prophecy that the time will come when many of God's people will face the executioner. Some assure us that we Christians who live today will escape this fate. But, what if we don't? Friends, it's time to leave the spiritual shallows.

The groom is coming!