Scripture – ““At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 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.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Matthew 25:1, 3-13 NIV
Observation – This parable is about being spiritually ready when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead. I have heard people say that when they are old and closer to death they will “get right with God”. This parable is clear that we don’t know when Jesus is coming back so we must be ready.
Application – When you understand you are a sinner and need God’s forgiveness don’t delay in accepting Jesus’ death on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins and giving your life to him. For man is destined to die once and after that to face the judgement. If Jesus comes and you haven’t acknowledged him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and begun to serve him, or you die unexpectedly and haven’t repented it will be too late. You may cry out as the five virgins who went to buy oil did but he will reply, “Truly I tell you, I don’t know you”. Now that I know Jesus and how good he is I wonder why people wouldn’t want to be under his care.
Prayer – Jesus, I thank you for my salvation and I pray for my friends and family that they would hear you knocking on the door of their hearts and open the door so that you can come into their lives. Amen.
What are you doing? Do it better 