Read Matthew 25:1-13 – Known as the Parable of the Ten Virgins:
“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, “Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!” Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise answered, saying, “What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.” While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us.” But he answered, “Most certainly I tell you, I don’t know you.” Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”
A parable is a short tale that illustrates a universal truth; it is a simple narrative. It sketches a setting, describes an action, and shows the results. A parable often involves a character who faces a moral dilemma or one who makes a bad decision and then suffers the unintended consequences. Although the meaning of a parable is often not explicitly stated, it is not intended to be hidden or secret but, on the contrary, quite straightforward and obvious.
Jesus often used Parables in scripture to help us learn and understand and relate to our own lives. Simple truths that we need to apply.
We can all read the same passage of scripture and God uses it to minister to us and give us what we need at that particular moment. And that is different to all of us. We are all unique and God knows what it is we need and when. So even though we have all read this same passage above, God might have enlightened something to YOU. Praise the Lord for that. But in this devotional today I want to encourage those who feel like one of the five virgins that have fallen asleep.
Do you feel like you have fallen asleep in your Christian walk, waiting for Christ’s return? That light that once burned bright has started to dim?
This week we have looked at different aspects of our life, remembering who we are in Christ and they we need and can have a fresh start.
Don’t loose hope, or give up! Jesus is returning and we need to be ready.
Use this opportunity to trim your lamp and make it shine even brighter than before. Feel the excitement and the anticipation of the ‘bridegroom’ coming. Get with the other ‘virgins’, and share with them your excitement. Maybe help awaken those that have fallen asleep. (Hebrews 10:24)
Prayer: Dear God help me to be aware, and if I have fallen asleep, help me to rekindle my anticipation and excitement. Help me then to share with others who are waiting for Your return also. AMEN
Action: Get together with fellow believers and share your testimony of what God is doing for YOU.