Matthew 25:1-9 At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: "Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!" Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out." "No," they replied, "there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves." (NIVUK)
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The prospect of a wedding is exciting; joy is about to be unleashed on the happy couple, their families and all around them. Jesus used this picture to describe the Day when He will come again with His Bride, the church (Revelation 21:1-2). The scene is set at the bride's home. In those days the bridegroom would come from his home to collect his bride and they would then be escorted back to his home by bridesmaids. As is the way in some cultures today, timing can be variable - as the man would be celebrating first with his friends before the wedding.
The bridesmaids would then be kept waiting. They were all alert at first but then darkness fell. Maybe they expected the bridal procession to be deferred until the following day. Anyway, in Jesus' story, half of the young ladies had not even considered that it might be a night-time procession, and had not bothered to bring any extra oil with them; but the other five had brought oil in case it was needed.
All the bridesmaids fell asleep, only to be woken at midnight by the joyful noise of the bridegroom and his friends. The wise girls got their lamps ready, but the foolish ones did not have enough oil for the procession. Although they begged some oil from their friends the answer was, 'No, go and buy your own; there is not enough'. It was not selfish but wise, as otherwise all the lamps would go out before reaching the man's house. They could not risk their bride stumbling along in the dark.
This was yet another parable warning the disciples (and through them, the church) to be fully ready for the moment Jesus will return to claim His Bride. The task for the trainee apostles was to teach both Jews and Gentiles the importance of being prepared to welcome Jesus when He comes again. That call is still the apex of the gospel message. Having Christ's coming as a clear focus point also prevents the church from stumbling along in the darkness of their own self-interest. If you knew that Jesus will come today or tomorrow, how different will your repentance, praise and lifestyle be? He expects us to be ready with a lifestyle and worship which will welcome Him. It is time to repent and get ready for Jesus.
Prayer: Loving God. Thank You for desiring that the Church shall be intimately and joyfully united with Jesus Christ. Even though I do not feel worthy, thank You that Jesus desires to include me. I repent of my lack of preparation, my distracted focus and my lack of expectation of His return. Please encourage me each day, and especially today, to live and worship in a way that pleases You, in eager anticipation of Jesus coming to take me home. In His Name. Amen.
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