Matthew 25:1-13

“Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” (Matthew 25:2–4, NKJV)

Concerning His return, Jesus said that no one knows the day and the hour, not even the angels, but only the Father. This should discourage any date-setters! But even though we do not know when He is coming, there is much we can do to prepare ourselves for that day.

In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus teaches us that we must watch and keep enough oil for our lamps so that even if He delays His coming, we are ready. The wise ones were prepared, and their lamps were burning brightly. During the long night, they fell asleep, but when they heard the call, they trimmed their lamps and could go with the bridegroom into the wedding feast. But the foolish virgins brought no extra oil. They also fell asleep and were awakened by the cry that the bridegroom was coming. But while they went out to buy more oil, the bridegroom came, and they missed it!

What should our takeaway be? Since we do not know the day and the hour when the Lord will come for us, either by death or by rapture, we must always be ready. Oil is a symbol in Scripture of the Holy Spirit.

“Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:17–18, ESV)

We must keep ourselves in the place where we are being filled with the Spirit. That means we are abiding in Christ and doing His will. We receive grace by the Spirit to live for Him and to let our light shine before others. While it is best to stay awake, we may fall asleep during the long night. But when we hear the call, we will rise and be prepared because we have the Spirit.

On the other hand, the foolish virgins represent those who are not prepared. They are not filled with the Spirit or walking in the Spirit but are walking according to their flesh. When the call goes forth, they are not ready and do not go into the wedding feast. How tragic will it be for them when they hear the words, “I do not know you.”

Therefore, we should make our call and election sure and ask God to fill us with His Spirit. We should keep ourselves in His love by doing what He says and pray always to receive His abounding grace. The Bridegroom is coming soon! Let’s watch for Him and be ready!