Faith is a journey Believer’s need to walk out trusting God!
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”
Jesus is the Author of faith. He is sharing this parable to those who walk with God, the Believer’s. Faith connects us with God. The bible tells us in Hebrews 11:6, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Through faith, we believe that God exists and receive Jesus. We become born again!
Jesus tells of ten virgins, who are ready to receive, and preparing for the bridegroom. We need to understand this parable very carefully because we are living in the end times! There was a wedding, to which ten young virgins were invited as participants. All ten virgins brought their lamps, five wise brought the necessary oil; five foolish had no oil with them. They all waited for the groom to arrive. Time passed and the groom tarried longer than expected. All ten bridesmaids (virgins) slept until he arrived. They did not know when he would arrive but waited. Suddenly, one night, at midnight someone cried out that the groom was approaching. All ten virgins are awakened by this cry, and they begin to prepare their lamps for ceremonial service. What happened? The foolish ones were not fully prepared, as they departed to get oil, the groom arrived, and they were left behind. And the door was shut.
Jesus is talking about the end times and His coming to rapture the Church! These virgins heard about and waited for the Lord’s return but not all fully believed. For they did not prepare! The foolish ones did not know what to. Some people say they are Christians but do not believe in Jesus or the things of God. Some believe in Jesus but not Jesus only; they have other gods. Others, say they believe, but in their hearts they do not. They are 50/50. God knows who’s who! We must be fully persuaded in our hearts!
In Hebrews, the Word of God tells us faith is a substance we don’t see yet, Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Jesus was telling them and us, we need to be strong in our faith. So that, in trials, we won’t fall apart. Walking by faith! To ensure we are ready. Full of faith and to trusting in God and Jesus!Those who walk by faith, needs preparation of the heart. You cannot be weak and is very important. We are hoping, looking for Jesus to return! We are hoping we have eternal life with God, but we have not seen yet. We hope and believe we are in Christ, seated in Him by the right hand of the Father (Ephesians 1:3).
There is a lot of challenges in these times. Some are thinking where is Jesus? But the believer need not be foolish but well equipped! Many are weary in their faith. Others, doubt. The world is watching and some who once believed are no longer believing! Even when the Bridegroom delays, we need to be wise, discerning the times.
We need to examine ourselves to make sure we are walking in faith! Continue to encourage yourself while you wait. There is a problem, when the pandemic comes to shake the world, and Christians are panicking just like the unbeliever’s. We can’t depend on someone else’s faith; pastors, friend, or family. What are we going to do? We live everyday in this world. Things are happening on the earth more rapidly to show Jesus is coming soon! But soon could be years. Our faith needs to continue and grow stronger! In Hebrews chapter 11, there are testimonies of those who believed right up to the end. Their faith grew in the face of adversity; not diminished! Testimonies of those who endured hardship while believing and waiting on the Lord! They were strong in the Lord!
This walk of faith is a personal journey! You have to know Jesus for yourself! Having relationship with Him! We are looking for the Rapture. Are you sure you’re ready? Don’t let it catch you being unaware and unprepared!
How to be ready?
Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
You need to hear the truths of God’s word! To build your confidence. Praying, studying the bible! We need to attend a local church to stay connected with the Body of Christ! All these build our faith in God and His promises! Faith is the seed planted in your life by Jesus!
Another example is the military. The Armed Forces are highly trained and ready to respond at a moment’s notice anywhere they are called. They undergo continuous training and maintain proper equipment. We must be constantly in a state of alertness, ready at any moment for the Lord’s return or should He delay, our transition from earthly to heavenly!
Romans 10:9, “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Don’t let the doors close on you!
Moses & Marguerite Wafula
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Amen!! A good reminder to not be slack but to stand strong in faith daily. 🙌