Scripture

“Later when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’”

Observation

The Kingdom of heaven, Jesus tells us, is like ten bridesmaids waiting for the groom. Five were wise and took extra oil for their lamps, but five were foolish and did not take enough oil.

The bridegroom is delayed. When he arrives, late at night, the five foolish girls find they have run out of oil.

While the foolish bridesmaid are away buying oil, the bridegroom comes and takes the wise girls to the wedding feast. The foolish girls finally arrive, but they find the door is locked and they are not allowed in.

Application

This parable seems harsh, but the message is clear; if we are not ready, we will not be allowed to enter into the kingdom.

The sin of the foolish bridesmaids is that they were not ready for the bridegroom. They thought they had enough oil, but had not factored in a delay. Their own preparations were inadequate.

Many people think that their good deeds or occasional religious observances will get them there. They think that they are good enough for God.

We can never be good enough for God if that is the standard we want to be judged by.

The foolish bridesmaids should have known the bridegroom better. The wise ones made provision for the fact that the groom would be delayed. They knew him, and they knew he would stop to chat with his family and old school friends along the way. They were ready for the inevitable.

To enter God’s kingdom we have to know Jesus, the bridegroom. Your destiny does not depend on how good you are or how knowledgeable. You must know Jesus.

Prayer

Thank you Jesus for the gift of eternal life that comes from you. Amen.