What does "Lord, Lord, open the door for us!" reveal about accountability? Setting the Scene • Matthew 25 paints a wedding scenario. Ten virgins wait for the bridegroom; five are prepared with extra oil, five are not. • Verse 11 captures the haunting plea after the groom has already entered and shut the door: “Later the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’” (Matthew 25:11). Hearing the Cry, Missing the Door • The words “Lord, Lord” show familiarity—they know exactly whom to address. • Yet the closed door reveals that mere recognition of the groom is insufficient; readiness had to precede His arrival. • Timing matters: the opportunity for entrance exists only while the door is open (cf. Genesis 7:16). Accountability Illustrated • Personal responsibility: each virgin had to carry her own oil; nobody could loan preparedness at the last second. • Fixed consequences: once the door shuts, the decision is irreversible (Luke 13:25). • Genuine relationship: knowing about the Lord is not the same as being known by Him (Matthew 7:21-23). Key Principles on Accountability • Stewardship of today—delay cannot erase duty (James 4:13-14). • Response, not excuse—no plea can override obedience (1 Samuel 15:22). • Judgment seat certainty—“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Supporting Scriptures • Luke 13:25-27 parallels the closed-door plea: “Lord, open the door for us.” • Revelation 3:20 highlights the open door now: “If anyone hears My voice and opens the door…” Responsibility lies with the hearer. • Romans 14:12: “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God”. Lessons for Today • Treat every delay of Christ’s return as mercy granting time to prepare. • Confirm that faith expresses itself in active obedience, not casual acknowledgment. • Encourage one another toward vigilance; yet remember accountability remains individual. Cautions and Encouragements • Caution: religious language—“Lord, Lord”—cannot substitute for true surrender. • Encouragement: while the door is open, eager readiness brings joyful entrance when He comes. |
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