Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent.
For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Matthew 25:1-4
Following Jesus’ example and teaching is not a one time act, but a lifetime preparation of knowing Him and anticipating the next life in His presence. Those who have placed their faith and trust in Him, will one day be presented to Him, collectively as His bride. Will will be ready? That’s the question in this parable. Of the ten, half were and half were not. Those who were prudent had filled their lamps with oil. We fill our lamps with oil as we grow day by day in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and allow His Spirit to dwell within us. Foolish people mistake a one-time experience as preparation and knowledge… they are acquaintances with God, not friends with Him. To them, Jesus might say ‘depart from Me, for I never knew you’.
How prudent am I when it comes to my faith in God? Am I growing each day in the true knowledge of Him in a real relationship?
God, I want to be ready when we meet.
