Tuesday, March 31, 2020

The Wise and Foolish Self-Quarantined Virgins



“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.”

All were invited. Some were not ready. All slumbered and slept.

So, the Groom, delayed His coming. He waited, not wanting any to miss the party. He gave time for all to wash their hands and their garments, in hope that when He called, all would be prepared. 

He waited and waited, wanting and watching for all to get ready. 

Finally, there was a great pause throughout all the land. Even, Heaven went silent. The perfect time had come. Everyone would have time to put on their wedding garment, to remove every spot and wrinkle and be watching, waiting, prepared for when the Groom would come.


“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 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.’ 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.”


At the midnight cry, there’s only time to rise and meet Him.

Once the King has come, all work is done; the door is shut and for those left behind…

“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. (Matthew 25)




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