Timing is everything.

As we read Jesus’ story of the virgins, we are reminded that we cannot afford to “miss it by that much”. We must “keep the lamp fed”, always prepared for that time when Jesus, our bridegroom, comes to take us, his bride, to our forever home.

Matthew 25, Msg

The Story of the Virgins
25 1-5 “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. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.

6 “In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bride-groom’s here! Go out and greet him!’

7-8 “The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’

9 “They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’

10 “They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.

11 “Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.’

12 “He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’

13 “So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.

GET SMART-ER!
The smart virgins were prepared for the bridegroom when He came in His time, with enough oil to keep feeding their lamp. I am thinking about this statement and wondering what I’m doing and who I’m being as I keep “feeding my lamp” in the wait time of His arrival? How do I feed my lamp? How do I keep The Light of my lamp shining?

FEEDING OUR LAMP
1. Welcome the Lord into each new day by diving into His Word. Let it soak in. Learn from it. Let it become who we are as we live it, with His help and power working through us. Thank Him.
2. Ask for His cleansing of our soul that went through yesterday’s trials and dirt. Thank Him. (Ps 51:10)
3. Before facing anyone else, come into the Presence of God, looking full into His face. Come away with His Light shining on our face. Thank Him. (Matthew 6:5-13)
4. Bring all of ourselves, our joys and our concerns to the feet of Jesus while kneeling down before him. Then get up and praise Him with outstretched arms. Now THAT is a good early morning exercise! (Romans 12)
5. Cry out for wisdom, insight and understanding so that we can see others that will cross our path, through the eyes of our Lord.
6. Ask for peace and calm to wash over our soul for “this day”. Take one day at a time.
7. Be kind. Be gracious. Live a life of humble gratitude for all He has done in us and will do in the next hour. Just BE with all of Him in You and you in Him. “Be still and know…” (Ps 46:10)

“So stay alert, You have no idea when he might arrive.”

Dear Heavenly Father, Help us. Every hour we need you to help us keep our lamps burning. In Jesus Name and By His Power, Amen.