|
|
|
God's Word emphatically teaches the necessity of being prepared for "the day of the Lord"
(1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). As one aptly states, "This readiness consists not
in idly staring into Heaven, but in actively doing those things that are pleasing unto Him."
Jesus words it like this: "Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall
find so doing" (Matthew 24:46). Not all people who will be lost are evil, immoral, and
detest God! Many basically good people will simply be unprepared for the Day
of Judgment. The five foolish virgins teach us a valuable lesson on the appearance of being
ready for the coming of the Lord while actually being unprepared. Let us learn from their
sad plight (Matthew 25:1-12)!
Without reproach and blameless before men! There is no indication that the five foolish virgins were living worldly lives. Their conduct toward others was not in question. Their motives appear to be sincere, and they desire to be with the Master when he comes. They enjoy the company of the five wise virgins and the wise seem to enjoy the fellowship of the five who are called foolish. All outward appearances suggest they are of good character, respectful, courteous, kind, and looking forward to a home in Heaven. Good intentions! They go "forth to meet the bridegroom" (Matthew 25:1). They make sure they carry their lamps for therein lies their hope. Many today carry their Bible and profess that therein lies their hope. But as the foolish virgins were not concerned with how much oil was in their lamps, many professing Christians are not concerned with what is in the Bible! So many people never search the Scriptures to see if they have obeyed the gospel plan of salvation or if they are worshipping "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). Many do have good intentions, but are blind to their needs and what the Lord requires to be His follower. Careless neglect! The text states, "For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them" (v. 3). All hope of the foolish virgin was in her lamp, but the lamp was useless without oil! The hope of so many today is in "faith only," but "by works a man is justified, and not only by faith" (James 2:24). God illustrates this truth in saying, "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead" (James 2:26). It is impossible to demonstrate your faith without works, but engaging in works God has commanded will show your faith (James 2:18). Many today who are convinced their faith is going to save them do very little for the cause of Christ. When that "little" is done — they are done! They will meet the same fate as the foolish virgin who had only a "little" oil for her lamp! Crippling indifference! Hear these words: "Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept" (Matthew 25:5). God's grace and longsuffering are indeed wonderful, but indifference towards them are not cause for rejoicing. The testing and proving period of time people have been so fortunate to possess will one day come to an end. The foolish virgins had time to go and buy extra oil, but they slept! Indifference to one's obligations and responsibilities will keep him from obeying the gospel and will also keep the one who has obeyed the gospel from "walking in the light" (1 John 1:7) of God's Word. Urgent Request! "And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out" (Matthew 25:8). Reality is enlightening! One cannot borrow the necessary fruit of salvation. The "works" of the faithful will not transfer to the unfaithful. The Bridegroom will one day come, and the door of mercy will forever close! Sincere Attempt! "And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came..." (v. 10). Sincerity and eager desire will not save one who is not prepared when the Lord comes. One cannot "seek" when time has run out. Hoping to be ready while failing to prepare is false hope! Futile Appeal And Eternal Damnation! "...the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not" (vss. 10-12). A child of God who is not prepared to meet the Lord is no better off than the scoffer and the immoral of the world. Too busy! Hurt feelings! Secular activities! Social gathering with friends! Aches and pains! Hypocrites in the church! Members not living right! Children to help! Grandchildren to care for! None of the above excuses or any other excuses will be acceptable reasons for not being prepared for the Judgment.Hope built on the doctrines of men, the whims and wishes of individuals, and the many activities of the world will not prepare one to enter the Heavenly Home. Nothing is more needed now or will be more meaningful then than successfully preparing to meet God! |