1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
The serious tone of this parable and the prospect of unexpected judgement is unsettling. There seems to be an unnerving sense of urgency. This speaks directly to the concept of fear of the Lord. Maybe consequences in the hereafter relate directly to the quality of our faith.
The parable addresses only would be believers, for all of the maidens claimed affinity with the groom. They all eagerly looked forward to the wedding banquet where a celebration for “that great day” would unfold. Never mind that popular stream of Christianity which engender complacency, as if one can do what he pleases without repercussions. That teaching has its place in a different context, but here we must be responsible with the text.
Fear of the Lord keeps us on track. Ney, it is the beginning of wisdom and understanding. Many good things burgeon from it, for it forces us out of our comfort zone where we experience joys that we wouldn’t otherwise be privy to. Popular psychology labels this delayed gratification; to restrain impulses for future benefits. Godly behavior isn’t always intuitive, so we need instruction and motivation, reigning us in, before we realize greater things.
I’m thinking mainly of two groups when applying insight to this necessary instruction. Evidently, we can believe that we are on track but be greatly mistaken. The first group is those who claim Christ in word, but their behavior reveals a different reality. Here, rationalizations rule the day. There seems to be smug self-gratification and a sense of entitlement evidenced by compromise. There is no consideration for things eternal, just living immersed in worldly pleasures. We give in to whatever whim arises. Settled in sin, we deny our Maker’s design for our lives.
The second group follows the way of legalism. By outward appearances they adhere to strict conformity, but inside they lack love. Instead, there rules orientated demeanor is continually dissatisfied with others creating in them resentment, bitterness, hate, malice, pride, and judgementalism. Having no compassion, they lack grace, kindness, and tender affection. They point their fingers accusingly not realizing the disparity in their own hearts.
Jesus’ parable invites self-examination. We should never be so confident that we ignore fair warning. Life is a series of adjustments. New experiences bring new questions with which we must deal. God has a way of revealing our flawed motives and attitudes. For him, what’s most important is our inner disposition, that which may have deviated over time. We must ever tend to our hearts’ desires and cultivate our souls through refection. We must stay awake, being ever vigilant toward who we’ve become.
Being ready isn’t static. It’s not a one and done proposition. We must continually be open and receptive to God’s urging. We must take seriously our position as the beloved and respond. The goal is maturity, never fully realized, always out ahead. There is no room for complacency, for if we stop moving forward, we are dead in our sin. The remarkable reality, though, is that we find that the journey is for our own good. In it we experience peace unfathomable, assurance which inspires, and a sense of wellbeing which is unavailable to the self-reliant. We discover our dependance and rejoice! We run to God as the source, the beginning and the end, benefiting from his calling. Mindful as we wait, we appreciate the process.
The greatest news is that God’s mercies start new every day. It’s never too late to change. Renewal, reconciliation, and restoration are at hand. And by his mercy you are alive right now to hear and consider, to contemplate and respond. Salvation is for you; choose life! And be grateful for Jesus’ instruction which miraculously had its intended effect on you. So, be thankful for progress which brings wholeness and healing. Be obedient to God and discover blessing. And stay awake, watching and waiting, for great will be your reward.