Matthew 25:1,2 (KJV) Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
As I read this I began to ask, what separated the wise virgins from the foolish ones?
Jesus tells us there were five differences that separate the wise from the foolish virgins: First, the wise took extra oil, while the foolish made no provisions for the continuance of their light. The wise virgins were prepared no matter how long the wait, while the foolish virgins didn't plan ahead. It is not enough to merely have lamps; the flame must have something to feed on. Many Christians are on fire for Christ when they first come to a knowledge of salvation, but because they neglect to fellowship with their Lord, study God's Word, and meet together with the saints, their flame slowly dwindles and eventually goes out. Second, they slept. There are two kinds of sleep. The sleep of the wise is that of assurance, resting in Christ, knowing they had done all they could to prepare for his arrival. The foolish virgins fell asleep, even though they were not prepared to meet the bridegroom and there was more they could have done. Third, the foolish thought they could obtain oil from the wise. The foolish did not understand that obtaining oil was something they could do only for themselves. We can't expect to sit back, letting others do the work of spiritual formation, and still gain the benefit of a transformed mind. Fourth, the foolish believed they could get in late. "Lord, Lord, open to us!" We must be prepared to meet the bridegroom at his coming, not later on. And last, the foolish thought the Bridegroom would recognize them. His reply was "I know you not." The foolish virgins had neglected to spend time at the feet of Jesus; is it any wonder he did not know them?
Father, help us to be wise virgins, always ready, always filled with oil. Do not let us neglect our lamps. May we spend time each day in your Word and at the feet of our Bridegroom that we might know him. May we rest in Jesus and the assurance that he will know us! Help us to be ready and waiting! Amen.
And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
As I read this I began to ask, what separated the wise virgins from the foolish ones?
Jesus tells us there were five differences that separate the wise from the foolish virgins: First, the wise took extra oil, while the foolish made no provisions for the continuance of their light. The wise virgins were prepared no matter how long the wait, while the foolish virgins didn't plan ahead. It is not enough to merely have lamps; the flame must have something to feed on. Many Christians are on fire for Christ when they first come to a knowledge of salvation, but because they neglect to fellowship with their Lord, study God's Word, and meet together with the saints, their flame slowly dwindles and eventually goes out. Second, they slept. There are two kinds of sleep. The sleep of the wise is that of assurance, resting in Christ, knowing they had done all they could to prepare for his arrival. The foolish virgins fell asleep, even though they were not prepared to meet the bridegroom and there was more they could have done. Third, the foolish thought they could obtain oil from the wise. The foolish did not understand that obtaining oil was something they could do only for themselves. We can't expect to sit back, letting others do the work of spiritual formation, and still gain the benefit of a transformed mind. Fourth, the foolish believed they could get in late. "Lord, Lord, open to us!" We must be prepared to meet the bridegroom at his coming, not later on. And last, the foolish thought the Bridegroom would recognize them. His reply was "I know you not." The foolish virgins had neglected to spend time at the feet of Jesus; is it any wonder he did not know them?
Father, help us to be wise virgins, always ready, always filled with oil. Do not let us neglect our lamps. May we spend time each day in your Word and at the feet of our Bridegroom that we might know him. May we rest in Jesus and the assurance that he will know us! Help us to be ready and waiting! Amen.
