In what ways can we avoid being like the "foolish" virgins? Setting the Scene “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:13) Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins presents two groups: five wise, five foolish. All are invited to the wedding, all have lamps, all grow drowsy, all hear the midnight cry. What separates them is preparation. The foolish arrive with no reserve of oil; when the bridegroom appears, they scramble—and miss the door. Why the Foolish Missed the Wedding • Presumed that a last-minute dash would suffice • Neglected personal responsibility, hoping others could supply what only they should have brought • Failed to believe the bridegroom might delay, so they planned for convenience, not endurance • Disregarded the explicit warning to “keep watch” Avoiding Their Mistakes: Key Commitments • Continual Readiness – Luke 12:35-36: “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” – Readiness is daily, not seasonal; it flows from consistent communion with Christ. • Personal Faith, Not Borrowed Faith – 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” – No one can lend you repentance, devotion, or obedience. Walk with Him yourself. • Ongoing Filling of the Spirit – Ephesians 5:18: “Be filled with the Spirit.” – The oil pictures the Spirit’s life-giving power. Stay filled through prayerful dependence and obedience. • Patient Endurance – Hebrews 10:36: “You need to persevere so that, after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” – Delays test authenticity; endurance proves it. • Watchful Holiness – 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8: “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” – Guard the mind, resist compromise, live distinctly. Daily Practices That Keep the Lamp Lit 1. Meet with the Bridegroom in Scripture and prayer before anything else each day. (Psalm 5:3) 2. Confess sin quickly; keep the conscience clear. (1 John 1:9) 3. Serve others in tangible ways—faith that works is living faith. (James 2:26) 4. Gather faithfully with other believers for worship and accountability. (Hebrews 10:24-25) 5. Share the gospel; proclaim the coming King to those still in darkness. (Matthew 24:14) The Closing Door The parable ends soberly: “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’” (Matthew 25:12) The issue is not merely being late; it is being unknown. Cultivate a life that Christ recognizes—one of genuine faith, fueled by the Spirit, alert and longing for His appearing. |
    |