>>>

Matthew 25:10 - Be Ready - Walking in the Spirit!

Matthew 25:10 (NKJV) And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

Matthew 25:10 (NIV) "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

Matthew 25:10 (NLT) "But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.

CONTEXT

Jesus told the following parables to clarify further how his followers should be ready for his return and how to live until then. The story of the ten bridesmaids (25:1-13) teaches that every person is responsible for his or her own spiritual condition. The story of the three servants (25:14-30) shows the necessity of being good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. The parable of the sheep and goats (25:31-46) stresses the importance of serving others in need. No parable by itself completely describes our preparation. Instead, each one paints a part of the whole picture. [Life Application SB 2019]

CONTENT

This parable (25:1-13) is about a wedding. On the wedding day a bridegroom would go to his bride's house for the ceremony; then the bride and groom, along with a great procession, would return to the groom's house, where a feast would take place, often lasting a full week. These ten bridesmaids were waiting to join the procession, and they hoped to take part in the wedding banquet. But the groom didn't come at the expected time, and five of them used up their lamp oil. By the time they had gone out to purchase more oil and returned, they were too late to join the feast. When Jesus returns, we must be ready. Spiritual preparation cannot be bought or borrowed at the last minute. Your relationship with God must be your own and on time. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARLS

In the parable, all the ten virgins went out to meet the bridegroom. All had lamps and vessels for oil. For a time there was seen no difference between them. So with the church that lives just before Christ's second coming. All have a knowledge of the Scriptures. All have heard the message of Christ's near approach, and confidently expect His appearing. But as in the parable, so it is now. A time of waiting intervenes, faith is tried; and when the cry is heard, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him," many are unready. They have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. They are destitute of the Holy Spirit. COL408

The class represented by the foolish virgins ... have a regard for the truth, they have advocated the truth, they are attracted to those who believe the truth; but they have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's working. They have not fallen upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, and permitted their old nature to be broken up. This class are represented also by the stony-ground hearers. They receive the word with readiness, but they fail of assimilating its principles. Its influence is not abiding. The Spirit works upon man's heart, according to his desire and consent implanting in him a new nature; but the class represented the foolish virgins have been content with a superficial work. They do not know God. They have not studied His character; they have not held communion with Him; therefore they do not know how to trust, how to look and live. Their service to God degenerates into a form. COL411

COMMENTARY

There are certain things which cannot be obtained at the last minute. It is far too late for a student to be preparing when the day of the examination has come. It is too late for a man to acquire a skill, or a character, if he does not already possess it, when some task offers itself to him. Similarly, it is easy to leave things so late that we can no longer prepare ourselves to meet with God. . . . . A man cannot borrow a relationship with God; he must possess it for himself. A man cannot borrow a character; he must be clothed with it. We cannot always be living on the spiritual capital which others have amassed. There are certain things we must win or acquire for ourselves, for we cannot borrow them from others. [Barclay Commentary]

   There is no substitute for spiritual preparation. Spiritual preparation equips you for unforeseen crises or opportunities. However, if you are unprepared you will be vulnerable in life's unexpected events.
   Jesus told a parable that teaches this truth. Ten virgins were awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom so that they could celebrate with him and his bride. Five of them prepared in advance and brought an adequate supply of oil for their lamps. The other five were not prepared, so they rushed out to buy additional lamp oil. While they were gone, the bridegroom arrived. The five who had planned ahead entered into the house with him, but the door was closed against the five who were not ready, and they missed the celebration.
   If you are spiritually prepared when a crisis comes, you will not have to try to develop instantly the quality of relationship with Christ that can sustain you. If you suddenly have an opportunity to share your faith with an unbeliever, you will be equipped to do so. If you enter a time of worship spiritually prepared, you will not miss an encounter with God. If you are spiritually filled when you meet a person in sorrow, you will have much to offer. If you have established safeguards in your life in advance, you will not give in to temptation.
   Christians lose many opportunities to experience God's activity because they have not devoted enough time to their relationship with God. If you have not yet developed the habit of daily prayer and Bible study, why not begin now, so that you will be equipped for whatever life brings? [Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry and Richard Blackaby]

QUESTION

In This Parable Of The Ten Maidens How Does One Maintain Sufficient Oil?

   In the parable of the ten virgins, having enough oil symbolizes cultivating a personal, enduring relationship with God, characterized by the Holy Spirit and spiritual preparation
   To maintain enough, one must actively invest in their spiritual life through daily prayer, Bible study, and living a life of righteous service, rather than relying on a one-time experience.
   How to Get and Maintain Enough Oil:
      o Cultivate a Personal Relationship: The oil (representing the Holy Spirit/preparedness) cannot be shared at the last minute; it must be acquired individually.
      o Daily Devotion and Prayer: Consistently seeking God keeps the lamp burning and builds a "reserve" of spiritual strength.
      o Engage in Scripture: Internalizing the Word of God acts as fuel, ensuring the lamp remains lit during long, or unexpected delays.
      o Service and Obedience: Acts of service, charity, and righteousness (like "tithing oil") serve as deposits of oil that increase with use.
      o Active Vigilance: "Trimming" the lamps - removing distractions and sin - keeps the focus on the Bridegroom's return.
   The wise virgins were prepared because they maintained a continuous supply, while the foolish neglected to prepare in advance, leading to their exclusion. AI

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Galatians 5:16 - Live by the Spirit.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221002-0835.html

Galatians 5:25 - SPIRIT LIVING!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190120-1238.html