1Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
All ten of the virgins had the same opportunity, but only half of them were prepared to take it. In a society where people needed oil to provide light, five virgins were wise and had extra oil on hand. The other five were foolish and lost out because they did not keep their lamps filled with oil. When the bridegroom came, the five virgins without the oil missed their opportunity to go with him because they were lazy when they should have been working and were out trying to buy more oil for their lamps at the wrong time.
God is an "equal-opportunity employer". It does not matter to Him what kind of background we come from, what kind of parents or family life we have, what color or gender we are, what kind of education we recieved, or what our physical handicaps may be. None of those things make any difference to Him. In Him we all have equal opportunity. Anyone who follows His guidelines and do what He tells them to do can be blessed and used by Him.
God puts potential in all of us and if we are willing to develop it, we will see wonderful things take place in our lives. No, we do not all have the same talents, gifts and abilities. We cannot all do the same things, but we can all be what God has called us to be and do His will.
Do your part and don't be left out as the five foolish virgins were; for when He comes and the door will be shut.
1 comment:
Father God, I pray that my life will bring forth fruit that is consistant with the change of heart You have worked in me. I pray You lead me to the oil to fill my lamp, that I may be ready for Your coming of the wedding of Your Kingdom.
Amen.
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