The prodigal son. Part 1

[Ovoo]

"...there arose a severe famine in the land, and he began to be in want." (Lk 15:14)
The core purpose of prophecies/parables is that of preparedness at all times for challenges that one would need endure/imminent return of Christ. Sadly, the prophecy in Amos 8:11 > Eze 7:26; Hos 5: 6 highlights the story of the five foolish virgins failure to take necessary steps to invest their time/money wisely-Math 25:1-13; 2 Peter 1:3

"And when he came to himself…" (Lk 15:17)
While the prodigal son had a second chance to amend his ways, it is important to highlight that there's no guarantee to such as we know not what day/hour we will take our last breath (Lk 16:19-31) nor day/ hour that Christ will return (1 Thessa 5: 1-2; James 4: 13-14)

I submit for disputation, that it is impossible to interpret the story of the ten virgins. However, its elements can be used to buttress preparedness.

 

[Ken Rank]

I submit for disputation, that it is impossible to interpret the story of the ten virgins. However, its elements can be used to buttress preparedness.

Actually, it is fairly easy to interpret the 10 Virgin story, but, it's main point is preparedness. Do note, that even though 5 had full lamps, all 10 slumbered and slept before his return. That puts an interesting wrench into the fire.

 

[Ovoo]

Actually, it is fairly easy to interpret the 10 Virgin story, but, it's main point is preparedness. Do note, that even though 5 had full lamps, all 10 slumbered and slept before his return. That puts an interesting wrench into the fire.

Sir, thanks for your response. What does the oil represent or symbolic of?

 

[Ken Rank]

Sir, thanks for your response. What does the oil represent or symbolic of?

Either the Spirit, or the Word, or both. Remember the Psalm that says, "your word is a lamp unto my feet."

The Feast of Trumpets is prophetically pointing to the great shofar call that calls the bride together. The next 10 days are called "The days of awe" and are a time when God's people reflect on where they failed Him, where they can do better, fell short, etc. The Days of awe end on Yom Kippur which is not only the day of atonements (it is plural) but it is also a day of repentence, fasting, seeking the Lord and laying before Him all He revealed to you the previous 10 days. Then from Yom Kippur to Tabernacles (which by the way, prophetically points to the marriage supper of the Lamb).... you have 5 days. So 10 Virgins and 10 Days where we are to seek the Lord and have Him reveal where we fall short. Then, repentance and a time of renewal... and then 5 days (and 5 virgins) until the marriage... metaphorically speaking. Interesting how this lays out over each other this way.

 

[Ovoo]

Either the Spirit, or the Word, or both. Remember the Psalm that says, "your word is a lamp unto my feet."

The Feast of Trumpets is prophetically pointing to the great shofar call that calls the bride together. The next 10 days are called "The days of awe" and are a time when God's people reflect on where they failed Him, where they can do better, fell short, etc. The Days of awe end on Yom Kippur which is not only the day of atonements (it is plural) but it is also a day of repentence, fasting, seeking the Lord and laying before Him all He revealed to you the previous 10 days. Then from Yom Kippur to Tabernacles (which by the way, prophetically points to the marriage supper of the Lamb).... you have 5 days. So 10 Virgins and 10 Days where we are to seek the Lord and have Him reveal where we fall short. Then, repentance and a time of renewal... and then 5 days (and 5 virgins) until the marriage... metaphorically speaking. Interesting how this lays out over each other this way.

Sir, thank you for your detail message. The opening scripture in your response is Psalm 119:105. Would you be kind enough to provide me with scripturea to support the rest of your explanation with respect to the story of the ten virgins. It is important to highlight that, the five foolish virgins went to the city to buy oil, found their way back even up to where the bridegroom is but we're still denied entry. Sir, why is that?

 

[Ken Rank]

It is important to highlight that, the five foolish virgins went to the city to buy oil, found their way back even up to where the bridegroom is but we're still denied entry. Sir, why is that?

It isn't enough to just say we are Christians, we must live like Christians. Let me share a definition to make a point, OK?

In Hebrew (these were Jews, so this is important), the idea of "in the name of" isn't talking about what we call a person, or how their name is pronounced. Here are some entries for shem, the Hebrew word for name:

Brown Driver Briggs: H8034 - shêm
1) name
1a) name
1b) reputation, fame, glory
1c) the Name (as designation of God)
1d) memorial, monument

Strong's Concordance:
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Vine's:
"name; reputation; memory; renown."

Explanatory notes (The Scriptures 1998):
The Hebrew word is shĕm, which means much more than “name” in English. It is not a mere label of identification, it is an expression of the essential nature of the bearer of that name. In Hebrew, in the Scriptures, it speaks foremost of His authority. The Name of éäåä reveals Him, His character, the remembrance of Him, and His authority.

So to a first century Jew, doing something "in the name of the Lord" meant that we did whatever it was in His authority, in His character, or in a manner that added to His reputation. Thus, when Paul said, "in all you do in word or deed, do so in the NAME OF the Lord," he was telling us that every word we speak, and every deed we do, should be done in a manner that is within the scope of the will and authority of the Lord, that it reflects His character, and that it adds to His reputation.

All 10 Virgins are part of the body of Christ... they are brides to be, waiting on the Lord to come. But 5 of them are not prepared, have not been acting in His name, and when He comes, they scurry to get right with Him whereas the other 5 had been right with Him and were allowed in. By the time the others get their act together and finally come before the Lord, they are not allowed to enter.

This is just a story to back up the many times we are to "endure until the end," or "stand firm in the faith, as we know not the day nor the hour of His arrival." We won't be perfect (until we are perfected) but we are to stay in the Word, in prayer, and be ready for we know not the day nor the hour of His coming.

 

[Ovoo]

It isn't enough to just say we are Christians, we must live like Christians. Let me share a definition to make a point, OK?

In Hebrew (these were Jews, so this is important), the idea of "in the name of" isn't talking about what we call a person, or how their name is pronounced. Here are some entries for shem, the Hebrew word for name:

Brown Driver Briggs: H8034 - shêm
1) name
1a) name
1b) reputation, fame, glory
1c) the Name (as designation of God)
1d) memorial, monument

Strong's Concordance:
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Vine's:
"name; reputation; memory; renown."

Explanatory notes (The Scriptures 1998):
The Hebrew word is shĕm, which means much more than “name” in English. It is not a mere label of identification, it is an expression of the essential nature of the bearer of that name. In Hebrew, in the Scriptures, it speaks foremost of His authority. The Name of éäåä reveals Him, His character, the remembrance of Him, and His authority.

So to a first century Jew, doing something "in the name of the Lord" meant that we did whatever it was in His authority, in His character, or in a manner that added to His reputation. Thus, when Paul said, "in all you do in word or deed, do so in the NAME OF the Lord," he was telling us that every word we speak, and every deed we do, should be done in a manner that is within the scope of the will and authority of the Lord, that it reflects His character, and that it adds to His reputation.

All 10 Virgins are part of the body of Christ... they are brides to be, waiting on the Lord to come. But 5 of them are not prepared, have not been acting in His name, and when He comes, they scurry to get right with Him whereas the other 5 had been right with Him and were allowed in. By the time the others get their act together and finally come before the Lord, they are not allowed to enter.

This is just a story to back up the many times we are to "endure until the end," or "stand firm in the faith, as we know not the day nor the hour of His arrival." We won't be perfect (until we are perfected) but we are to stay in the Word, in prayer, and be ready for we know not the day nor the hour of His coming.

Thanks for your response, though it's void of answer to my request for scripture to support "the feast of trumpet and others mentioned in your first response. Further, it appears you are in agreement that the story of the ten virgins is beyond what anyone can interpret but the elements highlighted in the the story should be used to buttress preparedness.

Let's do a bit of comparison or compare and contrast, whichever is applicable. Sleep as we know is used figuratively.
Mathew 25, both the wise and foolish travelled the same length of the journey, slumbered and sleep together and were awaken by the midnight cry to go and meet the bride.
Mark 13: 34-37, emphasis on vs 36 "lest coming suddenly he finds you sleeping"

 

[Ken Rank]

Thanks for your response, though it's void of answer to my request for scripture to support "the feast of trumpet and others mentioned in your first response. Further, it appears you are in agreement that the story of the ten virgins is beyond what anyone can interpret but the elements highlighted in the the story should be used to buttress preparedness.

Let's do a bit of comparison or compare and contrast, whichever is applicable. Sleep as we know is used figuratively.
Mathew 25, both the wise and foolish travelled the same length of the journey, slumbered and sleep together and were awaken by the midnight cry to go and meet the bride.
Mark 13: 34-37, emphasis on vs 36 "lest coming suddenly he finds you sleeping"

No, it isn't beyond interpretation. But me giving you the answer doesn't help you, you finding the answer helps you. I was trying to lead you to it without giving it to you. If you'd rather leap over steps, I will share the meaning. There is no great mystery here and the Feast part, which you seem to think is void in terms of a tie to your question... answers it far more than you realize.

 

[Ovoo]

No, it isn't beyond interpretation. But me giving you the answer doesn't help you, you finding the answer helps you. I was trying to lead you to it without giving it to you. If you'd rather leap over steps, I will share the meaning. There is no great mystery here and the Feast part, which you seem to think is void in terms of a tie to your question... answers it far more than you realize.

Thanks. I never said nor suggest that it's a mystery but that it's beyond what anyone can interpret. I'm confuse as to why you think giving the answer does not help. We are having what I call interactive bible study for spiritual growth and mind you, others are reading too.
For the record, while we rub mind and dispute over bible truth for edification and admonishing, others are reading as well, I don't do secrets with the scriptures or the truth.
Therefore, if you think you possess the meaning, it will be wise to share it with supporting scriptures for the benefit of all.
The reason why I raise this subject up is that many have given it wrong interpretation thus takes the relevance away from it, ie. The oil has been used to either represent or symbolic of the holy spirit, that is fallacy given that the holy spirit nor any gift of God can be purchased with money (Acts 2; 8:17-20; 10:38)

 

[Ovoo]

The bottom line is preparedness at all times (mark 13: 35). When Christ comes for the born again Christians who's lives are right, it will not be a case of people scurry around trying to make up for lost time. However, there will be a second shot at eternity as the mercy of God will still be open and this I believe will be during the time of the great tribulation then people can make up for that by not worshiping the beast or its image and not receiving the it's mark, I may wrong but stand to be corrected.

 

[Ken Rank]

The oil has been used to either represent or symbolic of the holy spirit, that is fallacy given that the holy spirit nor any gift of God can be purchased with money (Acts 2; 8:17-20; 10:38)

The story isn't literal... it is an abstract story meant to depict the need to remain prepared. The 5 virgins trying to buy oil isn't meant to be analyzed in the sense that a purchase is being made, what the weight is supposed to be on is the fact that they weren't ready and had to scurry about at the last minute to makes things right.

 

[Ovoo]

The story isn't literal... it is an abstract story meant to depict the need to remain prepared. The 5 virgins trying to buy oil isn't meant to be analyzed in the sense that a purchase is being made, what the weight is supposed to be on is the fact that they weren't ready and had to scurry about at the last minute to makes things right.

But they made things right at the end of the day but we're still denied entry. Why? At what point does God's mercy ends?