4 LESSONS FROM THE 10 VIRGINS

Matthew 25:1-13
The parable of the ten virgins has a few lessons for us to learn as we too await the return of our King Lord Jesus Christ. These days we see so many signs of His return being fulfilled in quick succession. So let us hear what God wants to tell us.

We need extra oil:-
In Psalms 119:105  it says,” Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

Here in this parable ‘lamps’ represent the word of God and the ‘oil’ represents the Spirit of God. The word of God is inspired by His Spirit which is the oil which helps the lamp to burn but if we don’t have the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the lamps will not burn. The Holy Scriptures will be just like any other text book.

In today’s Christian world many false doctrines are being preached. They all quote scriptures effectively. They emphasize on life on earth today. How to acquire worldly wealth by repeating faith confessions daily. They preach on prosperity and grace alone, while there is so much of pain, poverty and persecution going on. Does it mean these suffering Christians are not doing their faith confessing properly?
But you can ask how come every point they say is backed by scripture? Yes, even the Devil quoted scriptures to tempt the Lord Jesus to fix his eyes on the things of this world. Only if you have the Holy Spirit you will be able to identify the deviations, compromises, false doctrines, only then we will feel our Spirits being disturbed within us because there is no truth in it. You can make the Bible say anything you wanted to hear if you pick the right verses out of context to suite your doctrine.

Initially everyone hearing these scriptures will be happy because all scriptures is God breathed and inspired of the Holy Spirit. So their lamps will be burning. The problem begins when reality strikes them. When they face persecution, pain, they will begin to doubt God itself. Their lamps will be snuffed out quickly.

To keep our lamps burning we need the out pouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:17 it says, God says, “He will pour out His Spirit on All Flesh.” We need extra oil to quicken our Spirits. The Spirit of God is needed to lead us into all truths. To convict us of sin and righteousness. We need the Spirit to help us persevere till the end. We not only need oil but, we need extra oil. George Mueller once said,”The Spirit & the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions. If the Holy Spirit guides, He will do it according to the Scriptures & never contrary to them. How true it is?

We all get restless:
We read in the parable that all 10 virgins become tired and sleepy when the bridegroom was delayed. Whenever there is a delay is the fulfillment of the promise we all begin to wonder if it is worth the wait? If we heard right? Is it all true? But don’t give up your hope. He who has promised is Faithful. He promised to come as Emmanuel, He came. He has promised to return as the King. He will surely come. Only if you have the extra oil you will be able to rise up and go when the king comes. So don’t give up or be bogged down with guilt and or be depressed. Let nothing shake your confidence in Christ.Wake up.  Arise and shine.

You need your own oil.
We also read in the parable to the 5 foolish virgin tried to get some oil from the wise virgins. But they could not get it. The same way in these last days if we have to stand strong till Jesus comes we need to experience the Holy Spirit first hand. Our parents experience with the Holy Spirit in not enough. A pastors or prophet experience is not enough. If we have to face our battles boldly. We need to have a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit. We cannot be satisfied with just one encounter with the Holy Spirit and settle down with our past experiences.We need to have an ongoing dynamic relationship with the Holy Spirit. He should flow in and through us like a river of living water, touching and transforming all those around us.

Don’t miss God’s timing:
The last lesson that we learn from this parable is that like the 5 foolish virgins we should not miss God’s timing in our lives. In Luke 19:44, Jesus says that Jews did not recognize “the time of Gods coming” in their lives. They were busy all the time with the ‘god of the world’ which is money and missed the true Messiah. Till today they are waiting for Him. Let us focus on what the spirit is saying, be available for him and not be busy with just the things of this world. But be sensitive to him and be found spotless and blameless before Him on that day.
As it is said in Ephesians 5:14-20.  “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead,and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,  speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’

Today ask God to fill you with fresh oil, a new wine to discern the right teaching and interpret the times and to be prepared for His coming always. May He not find us wanting.
Stay blessed.
Merilyn Jemimah Amirtharaj