Being Fruitful
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Posted: January 14, 2023
Author: Coria Brock Revelation 19:7, New International Version “…For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” |
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Do you pay attention to the parable of the ten virgins, the lamp, and the oil? Let’s dig deeper into the meaning of this parable and know that it has an important insight Jesus needs us to receive. Also, a serious warning for those who are not yet ready to take His word sincerely, this is a direct link to the prophecy given in Revelation 19, specifically verse 7 which says, “…For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”
It begins with Jesus telling His disciples that no one knows the day and hour of His return, yet He shared some insight with us – it will be like the days of Noah. It means it will happen unexpectedly. For this reason, He encourages His disciples to be ready and instructs them to spread His messages to many so that whoever hears and believes can be well prepared. However, He preferred to give His messages through parables. He said, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27, NIV) “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you (His sheep), but not to them.” For they“though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” (Matthew 13:11, 13, NIV)
Nevertheless, God does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. (2 Peter 3:9) He sent His Spirit to those who follow His commands and accept His Lordship. He sent His servants on a mission to go to tell everyone the good news. This salvation is for those who have ears to hear and choose to receive the truth.
So what about the parable of the ten virgins, the lamp, and the oil then? Even though God may not tell anyone which day it will be, we can still make sure we are prepared. And this is where the parable of the ten virgins comes in:
When the time of completion comes, His believer (the virgin) who has not prostituted themselves with other gods, went to meet the Bridegroom (Jesus). Some foolish ones (who heard the word but did not follow it, like those who built their house on the sand, Matthew 7:26-27) took their lamps without oil (action of faith, James 2:14-26) and without light (hidden lamp, Matthew 5:14-16). They found that their lamps went out and they could not find the way (the Way – Jesus) at night. At that very moment, even though they immediately recognized and sought the help of the wise (who heard the word and followed it, like those who built their house on the Rock, Matthew 7:24-25), or started to prepare their oil, it was too late. The door to the wedding banquet was shut (the celebration of the wedding of the Lamb). And the Bridegroom (Jesus) responded to their voice crying out to Him saying this, “My bride has made herself ready, but you, I tell you the truth, that I do not know you.” (Revelation 19:7, Matthew 25:11-12, Matthew 7:23)
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:13, NIV) My friends, this is the Word, Jesus’ own words. Be a wise one.
