25 Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.
2 Five of them were foolish (thoughtless, without forethought) and five were wise (sensible, intelligent, and prudent).
3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any [extra] oil with them;
4 But the wise took flasks of oil along with them [also] with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom lingered and was slow in coming, they all began nodding their heads, and they fell asleep.
6 But at midnight there was a shout, Behold, the bridegroom! Go out to meet him!
7 Then all those virgins got up and put their own lamps in order.
8 And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.
9 But the wise replied, There will not be enough for us and for you; go instead to the dealers and buy for yourselves.
10 But while they were going away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were prepared went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.
11 Later the other virgins also came and said, Lord, Lord, open [the door] to us!
12 But He replied, I solemnly declare to you, I do not know you [I am not acquainted with you].
13 Watch therefore [give strict attention and be cautious and active], for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man will come. Matthew 25:1-13
This is a parable for the End Times and it is applicable for Christians and Believers.
I use the terms for Christians and Believers because in a cultural context in Singapore, we called a Believer a “Christian by name only” if he/she does not exhibit the qualities and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
In a Jewish wedding, a Covenant is made a year before the actual wedding, the Bridegroom will go and prepare a place in his father’s house for a place to stay after their marriage.
The bride price is paid
And the bride is set apart.
The bride would not know the time of the bridegroom return, usually after midnight.
The bridesmaid, signifying us, would be awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom, to receive his bride and go to the 7 days wedding feast, since this takes place at or after midnight, the bridesmaid need to prepare their oil lamps.
Each one would carry one oil lamp and extra supply of oil.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 AMPC
There was no street lamps or city lights back then in Israel.
20 My son, keep your father’s [God-given] commandment and forsake not the law of [God] your mother [taught you].
21 Bind them continually upon your heart and tie them about your neck.
22 When you go, they [the words of your parents’ God] shall lead you; when you sleep, they shall keep you; and when you waken, they shall talk with you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the whole teaching [of the law] is light, and reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
24 To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a loose woman.
25 Lust not after her beauty in your heart, neither let her capture you with her eyelids.
26 For on account of a harlot a man is brought to a piece of bread, and the adulteress stalks and snares [as with a hook] the precious life [of a man].
27 Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one go upon hot coals and his feet not be burned?
29 So he who cohabits with his neighbor’s wife [will be tortured with evil consequences and just retribution]; he who touches her shall not be innocent or go unpunished. Proverbs 6:20-29 AMPC
The context in the wise and foolish virgins is that they are not defiled. They have not commit adultery, naturally and spiritually.
It speaks of the Christians in-name-only and the true believers.
It is a sobering thought and statistics, it is a 50-50 equation.
Five are wise, walking circumspectly, knowing the times, living a life of sanctification and consecration.
Five are foolish or double-minded. They did not pay the price to get extra oil for their lamp.
The spirit of man [that factor in human personality which proceeds immediately from God] is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts. Proverbs 20:27 AMPC
Isaiah 55:1-2 speaks of buying wine and milk without money and price.
So how do we pay for the olive oil?
May I suggest, only at Gethsemane.
Not my will, but Yours be done.
When we bend our will.
To obey God, often described as painful.
Olives become olive oil.
For Jesus, it was so hard pressing, that the whole weight of our Salvation was upon Him, drops of sweat like blood appeared on his forehead. (Luke 22:44)
For 50% of us, it would properly be some agony and many tears.
This is the part that separates the oil out of the many olives.
The price of oil is more expensive than olives.
Why? Because of the process of pain that it went through.
Because of the crushing that it went through
Because of the weight it went through
And the filtration process before it becomes olive oil
Gethsemane.
Jesus was set like a flint on his mission. (Isaiah 50:7)
TO BE CONTINUE
Distillate 