Matthe 25:10-13. “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
The five wise virgins who were ready for the appearing of the bridegroom, ready to meet him, calmly refilled their lamps and were ushered into the house to enjoy the wedding and the festivities. They had made their preparations in advance, and were not caught short because they understood that there was no doubt that the bridegroom WOULD appear; that waiting for him was only an unavoidable delay of some sort. Though they fell asleep, the moment they heard that midnight cry they were up and about their business.
While the foolish virgins rushed out to find someone who could sell them oil for their lamps, the bridegroom arrived at the home of his bride. He and his groomsmen were admitted, along with the five wise virgins, and the door was shut.
Remember when it was time for Noah and his family to enter the ark? There was still time, as long as the door was open, for the unbelieving mockers to repent and seek shelter in the ark. But then, the Bible tells us, God shut the door. The opportunity was lost. Their was no time to build another boat. The was no place to seek shelter. As the rain poured out of the sky, how those people caught outside the door must have begged. I’m sure some of them were angry, demanding to be rescued. But there was no rescue.
After the door was closed at this wedding, there was no further admittance. The five virgins had lost their opportunity because they had not prepared while there was yet time.
The midnight cry had two separate effects. For the wise virgins, it was a moment of great joy and anticipation as they went to meet the bridegroom. For the foolish, it was a time of desperation and defeat as they rushed out to do what they had failed to do when there was time. They were earnest. They were sincere. But they were wrong.
What a perfect reflection all through the church age of those who have professed some sort of Christianity, but have never received Jesus Christ as their only Savior, their only way of salvation. They employ many forms, impressive in their liturgy and in their outward display. But their lamps are empty, and they will find themselves outside the door when the bridegroom comes. There will be no more opportunity for them to fill their lamps with the oil of the Holy Spirit.
Tomorrow we’ll start looking at the third parable, which concludes the second part of the Olivet Discourse and supports everything Jesus has taught so far.
Linda's Bible Study 