Nine Insights From Matthew 25:1-13

Read Matthew 25:1-13.

1. The lamp is the Word of God (Psa. 119:105).
2. The oil represents the Holy Spirit.
3. The purpose of having oil in one's lamp was to burn and consume, thus demonstrating readiness. Words such as "burn" and "consume" speak about passion.  Things we used to be passionate about we've reduced to logical correctness.  We say that we still believe them, only they no longer pierce us, drive us or control us.  Has tolerance extinguished your passion? When things are "burning" within you, you are more than interested.  You are obsessed!
4. The wick (the piece between the oil and the flame) must be trimmed.  You can't just burn. You'll burn out of control and damage yourself, your cause and those around you.  Burn brightly yet appropriately.
5. The five foolish virgins weren't condemned because they were resting or sleeping.  They missed out because they weren't ready.  Readiness is something you have and something you are.  It is not something you guess at.  Either you are ready or you are not ready.
6. You can't burn or borrow someone else's oil.  You have to get your own oil, your own resolve, your own testimony.  There is fresh oil available in God's presence!  The time to gather the oil is before you need it, not when you need it.
7. It's too late once you realize how late you are.  If you're not ready, you're left behind and shut out.  It's one thing to say you're ready on Sunday morning.  What about Thursday midnight? Readiness is a lifestyle, not an event or a moment.
8. Those who know (not just know about) the Bridegroom are the ready ones.  They know Him and He knows them.  They understand He wants them ready, not just available.  (Everyone is "available" for Christ's return!  What "believers" wouldn't want a part in that?)
9. Ready people watch.  They watch themselves.  They watch the times.  They keep watch over one another.  They watch with expectancy, desire and vigilance.  They're not looking for an event but for a Person.