Do you need to make some changes?

"3When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them; 4but the wise ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep."             Matthew 25:3   CSB

Let us dig down a little deeper into this verse. We've seen how foolish five of the virgins were to go out without taking spare oil for their lamps, it was a disaster waiting to happen. They also failed to prepare for their task, if they had, they would have realised that they were low on oil. 

But now we see that they went out alone. The five may well have been together initially, but as the panic kicked in, they were alone and left to fend for themselves.

If the oil symbolised the Holy Spirit, which it did, then they were alone and that is a very foolish thing to allow to happen if we are on duty for the kingdom of God. There are demons out there that are longing to attack and rip a person apart, given the chance; trying to make it in your own strength is not a sensible option. You need back up.

Prior to their journey, the five foolish virgins could have made the best of their time. If they were preparing for this journey, one of them at least would have realised that they would need oil and it would be better to buy this before the journey. But as can always happen, things get put aside, 'Yes, we'll do that in a minute, just relax for a while.' Therefore, it was forgotten and off they went with the other five, wise virgins. 

There was a waiting period and one would have thought that they would use this time to buy some oil. It didn't happen, they fell asleep instead. Their foolishness gets worse. They delayed getting getting oil prior to their journey, now, they were doing the same. This is a strong case of procrastination.  The Free Dictionary puts procrastination this way: To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness. This is a strong interpretation but fits the picture here very well. They were careless and lazy and paid the price. They could have changed the situation round but, they didn't.

Don't ever be this way. We all have to brush up on our priorities, that's for sure; but, the seriousness of this situation must speak to us about changing things in our life. If you feel that this is pointing at you, then make some changes before it's too late and the doors are closed.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard.                                

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