John.Creel
The Five Wise
Matthew Chapter 25
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
This parable Jesus gave directly provided details to His own glorious return in the future. Now in the twenty first century we read this parable that was written nearly two thousand years before our time and it still remains an amazing masterpiece. One of the first noteworthy facts about the five wise were they took oil in their vessels with their lamps. This may seem like a minor detail but even in our fast pace society we often think we can remember passwords because we know them right then but after a few days realize I should have saved that somewhere. The wise seemingly anticipated waiting even though the excitement of their future awaited them. The wise wanted to ensure they were well prepared for Jesus’ return.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But 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.
Interestingly, the five wise slumbered and slept while they waited. This is good information because as believers we can be prepared and also rest in the Savior trusting He will return for His people just as He promised. The wise also said no to those who were not prepared when the time was upon them. They had prepared despite the worlds distractions and needed to have enough oil for their lamps til they made it to the Lord.
10 And 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.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Notice the wonderful reward of preparedness and being ready for the Masters’ plan as they that were ready went in to the marriage. The scripture teaches in patience possess ye your souls and how great when patience pays off and the hope has become reality. So, here are a few keys principles to being prepared for Jesus to return as the time is closer than when we first believed.
The first key is understanding the knowledge of the truth and the importance of being ready as faith in Jesus Christ is the way to everlasting life.
The second key principle to preparedness is excellent communication through prayer and studying the Word of God, the Holy scriptures as faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Now Jesus’ words are Spirit and they are life so when we pray and ask for direction as Christians we can be led to the Words of truth in scripture from God’s statutes and testimonies to the principles and examples of Jesus’ teachings, and His instructions for us to love others as He loved us.
The third principle is obedience to our first love as He saved us by His mercy and elected us by His grace as He first loved us. The holy scripture also teaches that He gives the holy ghost to them that obey him and that If earthly fathers know how to give good gifts how much more will our heavenly Father give the holy ghost to them that ask. The Lord also gave us the promise of the comforter, the Spirit of Truth, that will guide us into all truth. The Spirit also beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
