This morning, we continue our series on “The Parables of Jesus.” We will seek to glean “Pearls from the Parables.”
Before we get to the parable, let’s look at a scripture we have been looking at all year. This is something I believe the Lord wants us to meditate on.
(Psalm 126:4 TPT)
Now, Lord, do it again! Restore us to our former glory! May streams of your refreshing flow over us until our dry hearts are drenched again.
This is a season of refreshing and restoring for us.
(Matthew 25:1-13 NIV)
1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.
4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.
5 The 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.
8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “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.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
So, what does this mean to you today? A few things.
Setting the stage.
In the heart of Jesus’ teachings, we find the Parable of the Ten Virgins. This story speaks to the core of what it means to be a follower of Christ, emphasizing the importance of being spiritually prepared and alert at all times. As we delve into this parable, I ask you to reflect on the state of our faith and our commitment to living a life that eagerly anticipates the coming of our Lord. This message isn’t just a cautionary tale about the future; it’s a call to action in the present, urging us to live with purpose, dedication, and a heart attuned to God’s will.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins is more than a story; it’s a spiritual wake-up call. It distinguishes between superficial faith and genuine devotion/commitment. As we unpack this parable, we find ourselves confronted with the question: Are we like the wise virgins, equipped with oil in our lamps, ready for the bridegroom’s arrival? Or are we like the foolish ones, caught unprepared, our lamps empty when it matters most?
So, what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. The Imperative of Preparedness in Faith.
The parable of the 10 Virgins:
— Emphasizes the need for constant spiritual readiness and vigilance.
— Highlights that Christ’s return is certain, but the timing is unknown.
— Encourages believers to live daily with the expectation of Christ’s imminent return.
— Stresses the importance of nurturing our faith through prayer, worship, and studying the Word.
— Teaches that spiritual preparedness is not a one-time event but a continuous process.
— Reminds us that if you are complacent, you can be caught unprepared. Don’t let this be you!
— This is a call for a proactive approach to spiritual growth and maturity.
2. Wisdom vs. Foolishness in Spiritual Life.
The parable of the 10 Virgins:
— Contrasts the foresight of the wise virgins with the lack of preparation of the foolish ones.
— Demonstrates that wisdom in faith involves practical steps and decisions.
— Urges believers to seek wisdom through the Holy Spirit and godly counsel.
— Highlights the value of discernment in our daily walk with God.
— Encourages a lifestyle that prioritizes and values spiritual truths and principles.
3. The Role of Personal Responsibility in Salvation.
The parable of the 10 Virgins:
— Emphasizes that each person is responsible for their own spiritual condition. You cannot rely on someone else to get you into heaven. You cannot even rely on your parents becuase God does not have any grandchildren (let that sink in).
— Teaches that there are aspects of our faith journey that cannot be borrowed or transferred.
— Encourages personal accountability and self-examination in our relationship with God.
— Stresses the importance of cultivating a personal, intimate relationship with Christ.
— Urges believers to take ownership of their faith and spiritual disciplines. You have to “own” your growth (or lack thereof).
— Highlights that our relationship with God is personal and unique.
— Reminds us that on the day of reckoning, our personal faith and preparation will be what matters.
4. The Unpredictability of Christ’s Return.
The parable of the 10 Virgins:
— Illustrates that the timing of Christ’s return is unknown and will be unexpected.
— Encourages constant vigilance and alertness in our spiritual lives.
— Warns against the dangers of spiritual procrastination and delay.
— Teaches the importance of living every day as if it were the day of Christ’s return.
— Encourages a lifestyle of consistent obedience and faithfulness.
— Reminds us that Christ’s return will happen at an hour we do not expect, urging us to be always ready.
5. The Tragic Reality of Missed Opportunities.
The parable of the 10 Virgins:
— Highlights the tragic consequences of being unprepared for Christ’s return.
— Shows that missed spiritual opportunities can lead to irreversible outcomes.
— Urges believers to seize every opportunity to grow and mature in their faith.
— Encourages a sense of spiritual urgency and a commitment to making the most of our time.
— Stresses the importance of being responsive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings.
— Reminds us that there will come a time when the door is closed, and opportunities are no longer available.
6. The Essence of True Discipleship and Commitment.
The parable of the 10 Virgins:
— Encourages us to integrate our faith into every aspect of our lives.
— Calls for a deep relationship with God that goes beyond the surface and superficial, influencing every area of our lives (including our daily choices and actions).
— Stresses the importance of living out our faith authentically and with integrity.
7. The Necessity of the Holy Spirit in Our Spiritual Walk.
The oil in the parable symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives.
This parable:
— Emphasizes our dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance, wisdom, and strength.
— Encourages us to seek a deeper filling and anointing of the Holy Spirit.
— Stresses the role of the Holy Spirit in keeping us spiritually ready for anything that comes our way.
— Teaches that the Holy Spirit is our helper, comforter, and guide.
— Highlights the fruit and gifts of the Spirit as evidence of His work in our lives.
— Reminds us that without the Holy Spirit, our lamps are empty, and we are not ready for Christ’s return or anything else, for that matter.
— The oil, the Holy Spirit Himself, is who makes us ready.
— Spend time with the Holy Spirit today and every day.
This parable is a reminder that Jesus is coming back, and we must be ready. I know you are very busy right now with Christmas and getting ready for 2024, but please don’t forget to be prepared when Jesus comes!
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I declare that I am ready for Your Son’s return!
I have made Your Son, Jesus the Christ, my Lord, and You filled me with Your Spirit.
I acknowledge my personal responsibility for my salvation, actively cultivating a personal relationship with You. I will not make it to heaven because of my parents, my Pastor, or my friends. I will only make it to heaven because I have made Jesus the Lord of my life, and this is a personal and intimate decision.
Father, I recognize that no one knows the day nor the hour of Jeus’s return. So, I vow to remain vigilant and alert in my faith.
I pledge to seize every moment to grow and mature in You.
I affirm my commitment to true discipleship, integrating my faith into all aspects of my life and maintaining a deep, abiding relationship with You.
I depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance, wisdom, and strength, seeking a deeper filling and anointing in my daily walk.
Living with this mindset, I know GREATER IS COMING FOR ME! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
