When the disciples asked Jesus about the sign of His return to Earth, He responded by sharing several signs of the times and the Parable of the Ten Virgins. He chose His words carefully, prophesying that it would be some time before His return in glory. He said, “The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep" (Matthew 25:5). Here’s the first part of His prophetic parable:
The Prophecy of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25)
1“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 7“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps (Matthew 25:1-7).
Spiritual Darkness and the Sleeping Church
This author believes we are currently in the period described by the parable, as spiritual darkness has fallen upon us and most of the Church is asleep. Some suggest the Church doesn't need to prepare for darkness because the Lord will return before it arrives. In the parable, Jesus indicates that the Bridegroom will not come until midnight (v. 6). Do you think the global Church is prepared for the night? How should believers today prepare for the growing darkness?
What Do the Oil and Lamps Symbolize?
In our view, all ten virgins symbolize those who claim to be believers; however, some possess the light of life while others do not. Some individuals are empty lampstands that fail to radiate the light of Christ’s life. In any local church, there are both sincere individuals and hypocrites. Judas pretended to be a disciple but never genuinely repented—he was a hypocrite, merely acting on the stage of life (John 12:4-6, John 6:70-71). Only those who have truly repented (turned away from sin) and embraced Christ and the provision of His Spirit are lights in the world (Matthew 5:14). “The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that illuminates one’s innermost being” (Proverbs 20:27). Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). The five wise virgins represent genuine believers. The oil in their lamps symbolizes the Holy Spirit within them, and Scripture teaches that no one can be a true believer without having the Holy Spirit.
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, emphasis added).
How to Stay Awake in a Mocking World
All ten virgins fell asleep as darkness settled in. While we may not know all of our enemy's plans as he spreads darkness over men’s souls, our duty is to be prepared, alert, watchful, and to focus on being lights in the world for those around us. The spiritual darkness of our time has gradually intensified to the point where many declare that those who uphold God's truth are foolish. They mock those who trust in Christ and argue that Christians are out of touch with today’s reality and that we should give up the hope that Christ will come and set things right. The world system encourages those who are spiritually awake to "return to sleep," but true believers remember what the apostle Peter warned:
3Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation" (2 Peter 3:3-4).
However, there will be a day when unbelievers are caught unaware and shocked when the Lord closes the door on them.
Practical Application: Keeping Your Lamp Full
· Audit Your "Oil" Supply: The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit and a genuine relationship with God. Ask yourself: "Am I relying on a past experience, or am I walking with the Spirit today?" Spend 10 minutes in silent prayer this morning, asking the Spirit to fill you afresh.
· Guard Against Spiritual Drowsiness: It is easy to "fall asleep" by becoming consumed with worldly worries or entertainment. Set a "spiritual alarm" by choosing one scripture to meditate on throughout your workday to keep your mind stayed on Him.
· Evaluate Your Community: The wise virgins were prepared, but the foolish were not. Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage your faith rather than those who mock the promise of His coming.
Let's delve into this topic more tomorrow. Keith Thomas
Continue Your Journey…
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