The Ten Virgins
Matthew 25:3, 4
3 They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
The parable of the ten virgins teaches us a timeless lesson on being prepared and vigilant. Jesus was teaching those who would listen, the importance of being spiritually ready and in anticipation of the Kingdom of Heaven. Here’s some important thoughts from this parable. All of the virgins were awaiting the coming of the bridegroom, representing Christ, with their lamps ready to light His way. Five of the virgins were wise, because they had thought ahead and had brought extra oil, and five were foolish, bringing none. Then the bridegroom arrives unexpectedly. The five wise virgins were prepared with their extra oil and were ready to take part in the great celebration. The foolish ones were left out of the celebration after seeking more oil. Here’s the application for the day and age that we live in—it is of the utmost importance that you keep prepared spiritually and be vigilant concerning your personal relationship with the Lord. There are many distractions that can draw our attention away from growing and pressing in to know the Lord and His Word. Making money, raising our families, getting a bigger and better house, getting a newer car, having a nice vacation, time for our entertainment of choice, etc. The list can go on and on. For many, it’s only when crisis hits that we cry out to our heavenly Father other than the obligatory praying off and on. Yet when sickness descends upon us or one of our family members, or a financial crisis is looming, we can find the “oil” to begin to shine light on the Word of God to try to bring direction and His promise to answer whatever our immediate need we’re calling out for in prayer. Does He really come first, or is it part of a lyric to songs we sing about His Lordship in our lives? Five virgins were wise. They had gone out of their way and carefully had purchased and kept ready the much-needed oil to prepare the way for their Bridegroom. The foolish virgins were left out of the celebration all together. Here’s a big truth—it’s what’s inside the lamp that matters most. You can do all the religious outward things, and really not have an intimate relationship with your heavenly Bridegroom. We need to be filled with the oil, His Holy Spirit, to be ready for when He comes. What if Jesus returned right now? Would you be excited and anticipating His return or would you want to find your Bible, confess hidden things going on in your life, etc.? Dear one, slow down, draw away daily, alone with Him. Ask Him to teach you and give you understanding of His Word and His way. Ask Him to fill you afresh each day with His precious Holy Spirit. This is when you become a wise virgin, ready for your great Bridegroom’s return. He can come at any moment and any day.
What about you? Are you honestly evaluating where you are in your relationship with the Lord? Are you daily being filled with the precious Holy Spirit or would you have to try to catch up in your relationship with Him? Live full of His oil and ready for His return. Live a life prepared for His coming at any time. He loves you so.
