“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you’. . . “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’”
Matthew 25:7-12
Lit Lamps
Daily Devotion – November 13, 2023
Devotion based on Matthew 25:7-12
See series: Devotions
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he promised he would one day return. It can sometimes seem like Jesus is taking a terribly long time to return. But just because we are impatient or tempted to think we have all kinds of time doesn’t mean that we don’t need to be ready at any moment for his return.
Jesus warned us about becoming complacent about his return in the parable of the ten virgins. Five of them were ready when the bridegroom arrived, and five were not.
No one is in more danger of finding out that they’re a foolish virgin too late than the Christian who assumes, “Well, of course I’m a wise virgin! I don’t have to worry about anything.” This is to live life as though the gift of faith is some lucky rabbit’s foot rather than a lamp that’s been lit within you that constantly needs to be fueled with the oil of the gospel.
Sadly, Jesus’ parable warns that if we are found with unlit lamps on the Last Day, we can pound on the doors to heaven all we want begging, “Lord, Lord! Open the door for us!” But he will say, “Truly I tell you, I don’t know you!”
The good news is that Jesus has already done everything necessary to save us from our sins and earn our place in the wedding banquet of heaven. Be sure to keep your lamp of faith lit by regularly fueling it by hearing and reading God’s Word. Just as you are doing right now!
Prayer:
Lord, help me to treasure the gift of the gospel, the oil that keeps my faith lamp lit that I would be ready for the joyful announcement, “The Bridegroom has come!” Amen.
