Our Scripture meditation is based on Matthew 25:1-13, the Gospel Reading, the 24th Sunday after Pentecost. For a meditation on the Epistle Lesson, click HERE.
[1] “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, [4] but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. [5] As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. [6] But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ [7] Then all those virgins rose 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, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ [10] And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. [11] Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ [12] But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ [13] Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
In this parable the 10 virgins represent believers in Jesus who are waiting for Jesus’ return in judgement. Jesus is exhorting us to remain vigilant in watching for His return, noting that it’s possible for God’s people to fall away from the faith. I think I have an illustration that communicates this truth in modern terms.
I’ve served as the called pastor for two congregations that were close to military bases. In each church we had members who were responsible for writing contingency plans for the United States military.
I found this fascinating. In my mind, it was one thing to draft a plan for troops being sent into a combat zone. It was a very different thing to write plans that got stored on a dusty hard drive and likely would never see implementation. This proved that I was, in fact, a civilian.
The soldiers explained that they never wanted to see the contingency plans implemented. However, if the plans were needed, the military would be much better prepared that if soldiers had to “wing it” facing attack. Their work in drawing up contingency plans was just as important as their peers writing active battle plans.
So also for us as Christians. We pray for loved ones and fellow church members for healing, not knowing whether Christ might return before they are healed. Pastors plan worship services months in advance, not knowing for certain worshippers will ever hear the preludes. We witness Christ to our friends and family now, not knowing for certain whether we will have time to do so later. We are living the faith like the five wise virgins or the soldiers writing contingency plans.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
