September 3

The Folly Of Being Unprepared

But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. — Matt 25:10 BSB

The foolish virgins made five major mistakes.

(1) They made no provision to keep their lamps burning. It's not enough to simply have a lamp; it must be lit and maintained, fed by something. Many are full of zeal in the early stages of their spiritual life, but they fail to make sure the flame is sustained by the grace of God. They have lamps but no oil. The oil represents fellowship with Jesus, the grace of the Holy Spirit, daily study of the Bible, and the shared worship with fellow believers.

(2) They slept. There’s a difference between the sleep of the foolish and the wise. There are two types of sleep. One comes from a sense of security and trust, knowing that all preparations are made, and everything is in God's care. Peter slept this way in prison before the angel came to free him. But the other kind of sleep is careless. It's like the sleep of a sentry when the enemy is approaching, the sleep of a pilot when the ship is headed for danger, or the sleep of a nurse when the patient’s life is at risk. These foolish virgins had no right to sleep since they were unprepared to meet the Bridegroom. We must never assume everything is fine or claim "peace, peace" when there is no peace.

(3) They thought they could get oil from the wise. But their request was denied. Each of us bears our own responsibility before God. While salvation is offered freely, each person must personally accept the grace and power of Jesus.

(4) They thought they could still get in. “Lord, Lord, open to us!” But the door was permanently shut. “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”

(5) They thought the Bridegroom would recognize them. But He said, “I do not know you.” We should all ask ourselves, “Does Jesus know me? Will He recognize me in the end?” The only way to be certain is to kneel at the foot of His cross and be sealed by His Spirit, hearing Him say, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine.”

Prayer

O Lord, we pray that our lives may be lamps to which You supply oil. Help us to be burning and shining lights in this dark world. Amen.