The Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25, five wise and five foolish, is a message about being prepared for coming challenges, both in everyday life and during the End Times. It is about having spare oil. What is the oil? The oil is a symbol of God’s Presence and Power. What is the lamp? The lamp is a symbol of God’s Presence working in us. Lamps are needed for light, and the oil is needed to power the lamp. Our lamps illuminate our path, bring revelation, and energize our testimony to nonbelievers.
Many think to “shine their light”, they need bigger and brighter lamps. Brightly shining the Gospel is a good thing, but big lamps burn more oil. In time, all lamps run out of oil and need refilling. There are many famous people with big lamps. They get lots of attention. But what about their reserves? They may have lots of light, but if their reserves get low or emptied, then their light goes out, and their surroundings become very, very dark.
Light is the result of using your oil correctly. Your light is your oil functioning in your gifts and callings. People enjoy your light, but they want your oil. Do not allow others to take your oil! You must freely share your light but be stingy with your oil.
Where do you get your oil? Verse 9 tells us merchants have a supply of oil that you can purchase. But in God’s Kingdom, all oil comes from God’s Presence. This spiritual oil is costly. Oil will cost you time and energy, and ultimately your life. Obtaining oil costs what most refuse to pay. Unfortunately, with the darkness that is approaching, many will find their lamps going out.
Where do you get God’s Presence for this oil? Do you take in God’s Presence in corporate Prayer? Worship? Bible study? These are great sources, but hopefully, your main source of acquiring oil is not just from Church Gatherings. That is merely relying on other people’s oil and light. Church Meetings are a great supplement, but not your main source. Get your oil from spending time alone in God’s Presence, in private Prayer, Worship, & Bible Study, which is your “Filling Station”. Above all, keep your oil stash full.
Blessings, Pastor E