Are You Ready?

Matthew 25:1-13

All The Same

They all had a common expectation.  These maidens were waiting for the coming of the bridegroom.

If you looked at these virgins, they all looked the same. You would have assumed they were prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom.

Not outwardly distinguishable, but inwardly very different - very different, as different as you can be - wise and foolish!

All Were Not Ready

Some in the wedding party were wise and prepared for the coming of the bridegroom. Some in the wedding party were foolish and unprepared.

But suddenly there is a cry of warning, "Behold! the bridegroom! Come out to meet him." The foolish virgins were unprepared because they lacked oil for their lamps.

Something On Oil

In many Biblical passages oil is an emblem of the Holy Spirit .

Without oil the wedding party was not ready for the bridegroom. Without the Holy Spirit, no one is ready for the return of Jesus.

All Were Not Adequately Supplied

When the foolish finally arrived, the door was shut. The penalty was severe for the foolish maidens.

The great danger is it is possible to have much knowledge about Jesus but never to know the Lord.

There are some who try to find a compromise arrangement with God in which they may subscribe to the truth of Scripture but refuse to let it change their activities or their attitudes.

The Door Will Not Be Open Forever

No door stays open forever. The foolish virgins forgot to bring extra oil and then went out to buy some oil. By the time they got back, the door was closed. It was too late!

Today the door of salvation is wide open. Someday it will be shut forever. Make sure you are on the right side of the door when that day comes.