The virgins without enough oil in their lanterns…
Those of us who do read regularly the bible must have wondered what does the “oil” that is in the lanterns of the virgins symbolise!
Let me summarise the parable that is written in: (Matthew 25: 1 – 13)
In this parable of Jesus, the believers are likened to young girls that have believed a proclamation sent by the King himself saying that any of them who wishes to become part of the King’s family by marrying his Son, will be accepted, as long as they will live a life that is worthy of him!
Some of the virgins applied themselves at becoming as the King’s Son is.
They filled their lives with holy living, with love, faithfulness, selflessness and submission to his instructions, all these attributes being the oil, the fuel that would cause his light to shine through their lives in the dark world they lived in…
They persisted in this lifestyle even when the groom did not arrive when they expected him to.
They faithfully kept their lamps still shining, remaining Christ-like through the long waiting period that tested their faith to the proclamation they were given. They were determined to live a life that is acceptable to him no matter what!
Other virgins, however, allowed their light and enthusiasm to fade out with time, gradually giving up living the self-denying and righteous life they had at the beginning:
They thought that If the groom was to ever appear, he would surely understand that they had to take good care of themselves as well in this world…
When the King’s Son finally appeared, the ones that had lived a life pleasing to their Lord until then, were chosen and taken to be with him forever on.
The other ones were left behind.
They did not value enough the privilege of being married to the wonderful King’s Son , and were therefore not found to be worthy of him!
Let us all make sure, doubly sure, that our lives be shining in this dark world until the end, filled with the oil of holiness, faithfulness and loving actions.
And when Jesus our Lord will appear in the sky, we will be gathered up to be with him forever!
“For ” , Jesus said, “only those who remains faithful until the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13)