‘ “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ “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!’ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. ‘ Matthew 25:1-13
I read this parable this morning, and it gave me the shivers. This parable was one of three called the Olivet Discourse. The Olivet Discourse is one of practical exhortation on “personal salvation,” “responsible stewardship,” and “practical servanthood.” This will be one of three posts focusing on all these subjects.
Let me start with this: nothing else matters without Jesus centered in your heart.
‘If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. ‘ 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
It is not possible to love others without loving God. This goes back to the greatest commandment.
This parable has two bridesmaids, one with oil and one without oil. The oil is used as a symbol of God’s Holy Spirit.
Every functioning adult will be faced with the question of who Jesus is. Those who accept Jesus as Lord of their lives will go with Him when He returns. Those who do not accept Jesus before His return to call His church will be left to experience God’s judgment on this earth.
What scares me about those who, when presented with the Gospel, say there is time before I have to make that decision.
“No one knows the time or the hour…”
I write this for those who may read this that are on the fence. For those who feel that they have time to decide to accept Jesus. Has God been pulling on your heart? Today is the day!
‘As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. ‘ 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Heavenly Father, please let this message get to the ones You have called. If it is Your will, let it change the hearts of those you please.
I pray for the hearts of those in my family that don’t know You as their Lord and Savior. I pray, Lord, that You grant them repentance and they come to know You as their Savior.
Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
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