They Took No Oil

Matthew 25:1-13 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

We must keep vigil for we do not know when the Lord will return. How tragic it will be for those who choose sin over Christ only to find themselves one day outside the banquet feast when the Lord has returned. As a follower of the Lord, I do not want squander the time that I have here on earth. I would rather sing His praises and live a life that brings Him glory. How sweet it would be to keep vigil for His return. Living out faith through works that bring Him honor and glory. Then as we sleep one night, He returns like a thief in the night and finds us as having been faithful to Him. This would be a glorious meeting to finally enter the wedding feast with your Savior and know that you have been waiting and living for this day.

At the same time, we must not forget that there will be those who are numbered among the foolish and were not prepared for His return. They chose a life of sinfulness over Christ. Then after they have fallen asleep, they cannot gain admittance to the wedding feast. No, not even the wise who were ready for the Lord can give some of their oil to them so that they can enter.

If we are to call ourselves followers of Christ, then it is also our duty to share the Gospel message with everyone. We should strive to let others know so that they may too repent and dedicate their lives to the Lord.

Mark 16:15 “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.’”