“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom†(Matthew 25:1).
Most of us are familiar with the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. They were described as five being wise and five being foolish. The wise ones made proper provision to be prepared to meet the bridegroom. The others foolishly thought they had plenty of time to buy oil for their lamps so, according to custom, they would be ready the evening of the wedding to meet the bridegroom. The bridegroom delayed his coming so one by one the virgins or maidens fell asleep. However, at the midnight hour the bridegroom came and only five were ready for his coming. What a shock to the five who had no oil for their lamps! They scrambled to find a way to buy some. They even begged the five wise ones for some of theirs. It wasn’t their fault the foolish virgins waited until it was too late. Sadly, when they arrived at the wedding, not only were they not allowed in, but they heard the most tragic words, “I know you not†(Matthew 25:12b).
The “bride†is the church, we are likened to the virgins or like bridesmaids, and Jesus is the “Bridegroom.†One day, at a time we know not, the Bridegroom will come for His “Bride.†We must be prepared to meet Him. Will we be found wise or foolish?
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Begin praying that Impact Charleston (July 19) will yield a harvest of souls.
When I think of the “foolish” virgins, I am reminded of those who were of Galatia that Paul wrote to. Paul called them “foolish” Galatians who were bewitched from the truth, they were following the works of the law as part of salvation which made them foolish. Seeing the Bible uses the keyword “foolish” in both passages, I believe there is some hidden wisdom here which connects those who were of Galatia and those “foolish” virgins. Interesting.