Day 3 The Bride's readiness for the Second Coming

Day 3 The Bride's readiness for the Second Coming

Scripture:

“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. Matthew 25:10

Observation:

In Day 3, our attention is focused on the parable of the ten virgins. Five of them took oil with them and were ready when the bridegroom came while the other five took no oil and were not prepared when the bridegroom came. As such, they missed the wedding ceremony altogether.

The key principle of this parable is readiness, and the reference to the wedding in particular reminds us in the church that we must be ready when the Bridegroom, our Lord Jesus Christ returns. But how can we be ready? The oil in the parable gives us an important clue.What were the main uses of oil in Jesus' day?

Firstly, oil was important to keep the lamp burning and give light. Therefore, we too need to continue to shine and be the light of the World as Jesus called us to be, shining forth his goodness and grace and forgiveness to the dark world around us.

Secondly, oil was important in making incense for worship. We are created for worship, and it is in worship primarily that we bring pleasure to God. Worship too should be a prominent part of our daily lives.

Thirdly, oil was used for anointing priests and kings for service. To anoint is to set apart,to purify, to invoke God's ability and favor. In being ready for Christ,we need to have lives that are set apart for God,for His service, for His glory. This involves maintaining our personal holiness by keeping ourselves from being polluted by the world as written in James.

Finally, oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, bcause he has appointed me to preach the gospel to the poor...”Jesus quoted from Isaiah. To bring oil with us is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. With our human strength, we quickly tire and fail, but by the power of the Spirit, we have the energy and strength to persevere and go on and on, giving light through good works, worshipping the Lord deeper and dearer and living purified lives set apart from the desires ot the world.

Application:

As instructed by our Lord Himself,let us ask our Father in Heaven for more of His Holy Spirit, who is our helper, our guide, our friend. Just as Elisha received a double portion of the Spirit, we see that different people can have different degrees of infilling of the Holy Spirit. We all can ask and desire for the Holy Spirit to infill us more and more.

It is only when we learn to cultivate walking with the Spirit, living by the Spirit and keeping in step with the Spirit, that we truly live effective lives shining God's light, giving worship that pleases Him, and having the self-control and peace to keep ourselves pure.

Prayer:

We praise You Father in Heaven for the precious gift of Your Holy Spirit. Forgive us, we pray, when we have grieved Him or neglected Him. Pour forth Your Holy Spirit more and more in us. Strengthen us and fill us, and let Your Holy Spirit guide us to live fragrant, shining lives of worship, good deeds, and purity for Your name's sake. In Jesus name, Amen.