"Don't be like the unprepared virgins, keep oil in your lamps!"
Considering that, of course people want to say, "I'm keeping oil in my lamp and the wick is trimmed short,
I'm ready for the Bridegroom's arrival!"
But what does that really mean?
I read this about oil in the lamp and thought of you right away,
I think I'll share...
It
is the oil that symbolizes preparedness.
The oil is the variable that needs to be constantly replenished. It is when we bottle up extra oil and
carry it around with us that we are prepared. We need the oil because it is the oil that keeps the flame
lit.
So
where do we get more oil? I have
several ideas. The
first thing that comes to mind is that the oil is at church—worship,
Bible study, fellowship with the faithful. Maybe we add oil to our lamps when we partake in Holy Communion. Another
thing that comes to mind is prayer.
When we make conscious contact with God through prayer there is no doubt
that our lamps are filled with oil.
How
does interaction with other people add oil to our lamps? Jesus talked about “whatever you do
unto the least of these you do unto Me.”
Jesus talked about visiting the jailed, tending to the sick, feeding the
hungry, and giving water to the thirsty.
We can collect food to take to the
local food bank. When we do for those in need, we are putting oil in our lamps.
When
we give to ministries and the things of God, (i.e...missionaries and things benefiting the needs of others, passing out Bible tracts even) it is putting oil in our lamps, too. The common factor is that we are
supporting God and God’s people (which is everybody) rather than just taking
care of our own selves without concern for the building up of the Kingdom of
God on earth.
(Blessings! From Rev.Debbie ♥)
