By Mari Sandoval

In The Parable of Ten Virgins Jesus reveals a truth He wanted to teach: the preparation of His people for His Coming: “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps and went to [a]meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish [thoughtless, silly, and careless], and five were wise [far-sighted, practical, and sensible]. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any [extra] oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil along with their lamps. 5 Now while the bridegroom was delayed, they all began to nod off, and they fell asleep” 

In Jewish weddings : "When the bridegroom came, the bride-maids, who were attending the bride, went forth to meet the bridegroom, with lamps lighted, to conduct him and his companions into the house, and to her who was to be the bride.” (Poole)

All ten of the maidens slept, because the bridegroom was delayed. In this parable both the wise and foolish maidens slept; but the wise ones were prepared to act immediately when they were unexpectedly awakened. The foolish maidens were not prepared! The wise maidens had an extra supply of oil. Without oil the wedding party was not ready for the bridegroom. 

In many Biblical passages oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:1-7):

-Oil heals and was used for medical treatment (Luke 10:34): the Spirit of God brings healing and restoration.

-Oil lights when it is burned in a lamp: where the Spirit of God is there is light.

-Oil invigorates when used as massage: the Holy Spirit invigorates (empowers) us for His service.

In Ephesians 5:18 we find: “8 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him.

The bridegrooms’ delay (Mat. 25:5): In 2 Peter 3:3-9, 18 we read: “The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance but being prepared at any time.” … “but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 

The foolish maidens were not prepared: “But while they were going away to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut and locked. 11 Later the others also came, and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open [the door] for us.’ 12 But He replied, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I do not know you [we have no relationship]. (Mat. 25:10-12 AMP). "The foolish virgins had professed to be the bridegroom's friends, yet they were proved to be not even his acquaintances." (Spurgeon)

Imagine their heartbreak! They were excluded… they paid a great price for their lack of commitment and neglect! They set their personal affairs first at some point and they had NO TIME to prepare for His Coming!

’13 Therefore, be on the alert [be prepared and ready], for you do not know the day nor the hour [when the Son of Man will come].” (Mat. 25:13 AMP).

Those who are prepared for the bridegroom’s coming will participate in the marriage supper of the Lamb. Those who are not prepared will be excluded!

A key to Christian readiness is to be constantly being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:18), through His Word and an intimate communion with our Heavenly Father. Much of the weakness, defeat and lethargy in our spiritual lives can be explained if we are not constantly putting Him FIRST in our day to day.

Let me ask you: How are you preparing yourself for His Coming? Are you waiting and watching with joy and anticipation?

Blessings!