Wednesday, February 4, 2020
Bible Text: Matthew 25:10-12 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!” Read Matthew 25:1-13
Memory Verse: Matthew 25:13 “Therefore, be on the alert [be prepared and ready], for you do not know the day nor the hour [when the Son of Man will come].”
Ceremonies are always a big deal almost if not everywhere in the world. Talking about high end ones, so much effort is put into planning and organizing, vendor arrangement, guest list sorting, name it; All these gets done before the day of the main event. The door man ensures only the chosen guests are allowed into the ceremony. While some events may permit people not on the list, we find out that you can simply not be part of some if you are without an invite. In one word, you need to have what it takes to get into the ceremony.
The parable of the ten virgins told by Jesus is a very typical representation of today’s world. A world filled with so much distractions that people actively spend mass amount of time concentrating on less important ventures. In this world we have a mixture of genuine believers, almost-believers who are yet to make up their minds to be or not be on the Lord side, and likewise nonbelievers and atheists. When you ask most people what was done the previous day, they can account for everything except but get tripped up when you get to the question of preparing towards the great feast.
There were five virgins who understood the invitation sent out. They understood that they had to have oils in their lamp, they had the understanding that they need all it takes to get into the feast and dine with the Bridegroom. These virgins represent the children of God who have genuinely repented and turned away from their sins, given their lives to Christ and continue to dwell on the word of God, obey and walk in line with the instructions laid down in His word.
What a shame it will be on the last day to see that despite the continued evangelism and proclamation of the gospel of Christ, some will still be with an empty lamp, unprepared, not having what it takes even though they have access to it. Everything drills down to preparation! Any life without Christ is just a lamp with no oil. Anyone who claims to be a believer but conforms to the ways of the world does not count as part of the wise virgins.
God has already prepared a place for His own children since the very beginning. Matthew 25: 34 tells us that when Jesus finally separates the sheep’s from the goats, He will say to His sheep, Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
The venue is ready, the host is ready, are you ready?
Once the door is shut, no one else can be admitted. Your position when the bridegroom comes will determine if you will be part of the glorious ceremony. It’s not too late so start filling your lamp with oil so it doesn’t run out on the arrival of Christ. You must always be with Oil; keeping the fire burning bright always for we know not when He will show up.
The Oil is what it takes to get into the ceremony, the oil is Holiness and Godly living till the end.
PRAYERS:
- Father I thank You for the salvation of my soul
- I surrender all to you O Lord, guide me and help me to remain with Oil till You come.
- Help me to fully acknowledge You and not to forsake your love for the love of the world like Demas did.
- Forgive my iniquities Lord and let your mercy prevail over judgement
- Thank you Father and in Jesus Name I Pray, Amen.
I’m reading the YouVersion plan ‘Bible in One Year 2020 With Nicky Gumbel’. Check it out by clicking on the caption below.
