Let’s explore the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. It warns us to always be prepared for the return of Christ and not be left behind.
In Bible times most marriages were arranged. Unlike our custom today, the bride and groom would take up residence in the grooms fathers home, They did not set up a home of their own. Once the betrothal was announced the groom would begin preparing the bridal chamber where they would live. As soon as the chamber was ready he would go to get his bride. This preparation could take any amount of time and no one knew when the bridegroom would go for his bride.
Meanwhile the bride has to be prepared for him to show up unexpectedly at anytime. She must be prepared to go with him at a moments notice. The grooms arrival was usually foretold by the blast of the trumpet alerting the bride that her groom was coming for her.
Matthew 25:1-13 (KJV) – 1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
The purpose of this parable is to remind us that we should always be prepared for His coming. He is the bridegroom. We are His bride.
Wise virgins were ready and prepared. They kept their lamps trimmed and filled with oil.
As the foolish virgins slept, they were not ready when the bridegroom came calling. They begged the wise virgins for some of their oil but that would not be possible.
You see the oil represents a personal relationship with the Lord. It is something that has to be nurtured and grown. It isn’t something that can be shared.
There is plenty of “oil” to go around for everyone. You need to be prepared for when it is required of you.
Once the Bridegroom came, gathered the wise virgins and they went with Him to the marriage. The door was shut, When the foolish virgins returned from trying to obtain oil for themselves they were not permitted in. Jesus told them “ Verily…I know you not.” How sad to hear these words.
Matthew 24:36 (KJV) – 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Matthew 24:42 (KJV) – 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
Matthew 24:44 (KJV) – 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
1 Thessalonians 5:2 (KJV) – 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
Revelation 16:15 (KJV) – 5 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Christ was showing us the similarities to His return. He will come when the trumpet sounds, so did the bridegroom. He will come for us unexpectedly, so did the bridegroom
I ask you will you be like the wise virgins and have your lamp trimmed and filled with oil upon the Bridegrooms return?
Or will you be caught slumbering like the foolish virgins?
God Bless You
Aglow
