Faithful on Fridays Blog

Matt. 25:1-13

Last week we discussed Jesus’ focus on being ready for His return at an unexpected hour; this week only Matthew records the parable of the ‘how to’. It’s called the parable of the Ten Bridesmaids (or virgins).

During this weeklong wedding celebration the bridegroom comes stealthily to whisk away his bride bringing her to their new home. It’s the pinnacle of the week, very romantic, when he joyfully kidnaps her during the night. 

She chose bridesmaids to wait with her and apparently they fell asleep as their oil lamps burned. The kicker of this dramatic story records five of them were considered foolish, they didn’t plan well, consequently, the oil supply depleted before the groom arrived. The five wise girls had just enough to light the way for the groom and couldn’t share any. 

The midnight cry, “Come out and meet the bridegroom” was answered by those who were ready and allowed in to the marriage feast as the door was shut and locked. Much later the foolish girls said, “Lord, lord open to us.” His tragic answer was, “I don’t know you.”

This end time parable begs the question, “Are you foolish or wise in your expectation of the Lord’s return?” Is the invisible oil lamp in your heart filled with Him? Oil is a word-picture of the Holy Spirit who fills you when you come know Jesus. You can’t borrow it, you’re not born into it, you don’t get it in church or doing good deeds; you receive the infilling of the Spirit as you spend time with God.

Zechariah, Elizabeth and their son John (the Baptist) experienced it, Mary and her Son Jesus experienced it (Luke 1 and 10), those present at the first Pentecost as well,

And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. Acts of the Apostles 2:4 

Those at a prayer meeting (Acts 4:31), the Apostle Paul (Acts 9:17, 13:9) and other believers (Acts 13:52) were filled and now we’re included. Being filled with the Spirit is how you stay ready for His Return.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 

This end time parable reminds us how crucial it is for oil lamps to be daily filled to stay burning; so does our spirit. 

… be filled with the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 5:18b

That verb means to be repeatedly filled as a habit or process; it’s a long term commitment and actually written as a command by Paul. This parable isn’t a threat, but an encouragement to stay filled with Him. Make your relationship with God a priority in your morning, pray and read His Word, then you’ll hear Him call your name because you’re ready and He knows you.