Be Expectant
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. (Matthew 25:1-4)
We should be living just like Jesus says, “Be expectant.” He uses a great story in Matthew 25 with the Parable of the Ten Virgins. In the story, five of the ten virgins had oil in their lamps, and five didn’t. They were waiting for the bridegroom to come. This is a picture of how weddings used to happen; these ten virgins were waiting with the bride. In those days in Israel, the bride didn't come down the aisle; instead, the groom did. It was just the opposite of today. The bride was waiting for the bridegroom and his party to arrive; and they were to be waiting expectantly.
Oil in the lamps is a description of the Holy Spirit. Anytime the word “oil” is used (especially in the New Testament), it is symbolic of the presence of the Holy Spirit. You have this wedding party of ten; half of them had oil in their lamps and half of them did not. Those who had oil in their lamps were waiting expectantly for the bridegroom to come. Those virgins went in with the bridegroom party to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Those who didn't have oil were left behind.
Numerous pastors believe this is a description of many church members. Half of them are fully committed to Jesus Christ. Half of them are not committed to Christ. Just because your name is shown on the church roll doesn't mean your name is listed in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Following Jesus is much more than going to church and checking off your Christian “To-do List.” It means surrendering all to Him and waiting expectantly for Him to return so that we can spend eternity in His presence. Are you expectantly waiting for Jesus to come back?
We should be living just like Jesus says, “Be expectant.” He uses a great story in Matthew 25 with the Parable of the Ten Virgins. In the story, five of the ten virgins had oil in their lamps, and five didn’t. They were waiting for the bridegroom to come. This is a picture of how weddings used to happen; these ten virgins were waiting with the bride. In those days in Israel, the bride didn't come down the aisle; instead, the groom did. It was just the opposite of today. The bride was waiting for the bridegroom and his party to arrive; and they were to be waiting expectantly.
Oil in the lamps is a description of the Holy Spirit. Anytime the word “oil” is used (especially in the New Testament), it is symbolic of the presence of the Holy Spirit. You have this wedding party of ten; half of them had oil in their lamps and half of them did not. Those who had oil in their lamps were waiting expectantly for the bridegroom to come. Those virgins went in with the bridegroom party to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Those who didn't have oil were left behind.
Numerous pastors believe this is a description of many church members. Half of them are fully committed to Jesus Christ. Half of them are not committed to Christ. Just because your name is shown on the church roll doesn't mean your name is listed in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Following Jesus is much more than going to church and checking off your Christian “To-do List.” It means surrendering all to Him and waiting expectantly for Him to return so that we can spend eternity in His presence. Are you expectantly waiting for Jesus to come back?
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3 Comments
Yes, I am waiting expectantly for Jesus to return. I have accepted Jesus as my Savior and am currently involved with ministries in my church and reaching out to the unsaved
Help us, Lord Jesus to be ready. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear and a willing spirit to obey. Fill me today with Your Spirit that I may walk in it and so let my light shine and walk expectantly in this world and be merciful, Lord where I fail in Jesus name. Amen.
God knows Me better than I know Myself. God help me do Thy Will. I need help that only YOU provide. Thank You Father for Allowing My stumble. PRAISE JESUS !