Power of Oil Lamps

Key Scripture:  “God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the Bridegroom.  Five were silly and five were smart.  The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil.  The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps.”  Matthew 25:1, The Message

Power Point:

I've often heard that this parable is illustrating the time when Jesus returns for His church. But what if, it also means a daily readiness to answer when He knocks at the door, for whatever reason?  After all, God’s kingdom is in us. What if, every day the 5 smart virgins prepared their lamps, (literally this means flames fueled by oil) so that at any moment they were uniquely prepared to answer the door and go with Jesus wherever He wanted to take them to bring heaven to earth.

There were ten virgins-ten virgins but only 5 were ready to go with Jesus whenever he knocked. Ten virgins but only 5 had the fire in their lamps burning brightly.  Ten virgins but only 5 who had put “fresh oil” in their lamps. And only five virgins who had an extra supply of fuel. Isn’t that sad?

How about you?  What if Jesus comes knocking today? Are you taking time every morning to “fuel” your own inner flame with the oil of Holy Spirit? Beloved, we MUST realize that the Holy Spirit is the fuel for our lives. The “Light” of Christ burns in us but it is made brighter when we get to know and love and receive Holy Spirit. He is the One who teaches us and guides us and equips for whatever circumstance that lie ahead. He is the One who fuels the flame so that we run, not walk, toward  God’ goal for that day.

People might look at the odds and say, “Well five out of ten isn’t bad is it?”

Yes. It is. Every single one of us has to be ready to answer the door.  And GO!

Power Thought:

Is there oil in your lamp?  Keep it burning!