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Keep Your Lamps Burning
Submitted by Joshua Lowrance
Posted by Joey Kelly

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. – Matthew 25:13

In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus wraps up his Olivet Discourse with a couple of parables. One of these parables, the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, is my favorite of all of Jesus' parables. I am captivated by these 10 virgins and the events that transpire over the course of the parable. Why is that? Because it is an eerily accurate depiction, not of the world, but of the Church.

You see, all 10 virgins were waiting for the bridegroom to come. They all believed that his return was imminent. Basically, all 10 virgins were believers. All 10 had a salvation experience that they could point back to. They all professed Jesus to be the Lord of their life. That being the case, what is it that made half of them wise and the other half foolish? If they were all believers, if they all had a salvation experience, why were only half prepared to meet the bridegroom?

Jesus explains that the virgins went out to meet the bridegroom, and because the bridegroom tarried the virgins slumbered and slept. Then at midnight these virgins were awoken from their sleep by a cry made, the bridegroom cometh! (v. 6). The virgins began to search for the bridegroom in the darkness of night, and in order to see, the Bible states that the virgins trimmed their lamps (v.7). However, 5 of the virgins made the foolish mistake of not bringing any extra oil. When these foolish virgins asked the 5 wise virgins who had brought extra oil for some of theirs, the wise responded to the foolish by saying Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you (v. 9).

You see, many in the church today are in spiritual darkness because their lamps have quit burning. What does the oil represent in this parable? It represents the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. People who can point back to a salvation experience from years ago have neglected the daily ministering of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Worldly cares, desires, and passions have distracted them from the things of God. These people have allowed entertainment to replace the operation of the Spirit in their churches, and they have replaced sound doctrine with vain philosophies. Again, these aren't unbelievers. These foolish virgins are people who claim to be followers of Christ.

This parable is a warning to those who would call themselves Christians. In verse 12, Jesus tells the foolish virgins, who have come to the door of the wedding begging to be let in, that he doesn't know them. If the oil in your lamp has been long burned out, it's not too late for a refilling of fresh oil. Ask for the Holy Spirit to refresh you, forsake the ways of the world, and turn your eyes upon Jesus. Eagerly await his coming, and watch for it with great anticipation.