“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.(Matthew 25: 1–5, NIV)

This parable is one of my favorites because it not only teaches us to be ready for the coming of our Lord, but also accurately represents a Hebrew courting tradition. During the second half of the betrothal process, the groom’s father finally approves that his son has built a home worthy of a bride and allows the Son to go get his bride.

6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ (Matthew 25:6, NIV)

This usually occurs at close to midnight. The bride must be ready to go with the groom to their new home at a moment’s notice. 

It is easy to see the similarities between this wedding process and the parable of the Ten Virgins. These similarities would have been obvious to His followers. 

The Ancient Jewish Marriage

So, what does your spiritual dipstick read? Is it full? Or dangerously low? Do you remember the day you committed your life to Jesus? Do you remember that sense of passion and joy? Or have you allowed your oil to drain away and your engine to seize up? 

The craziness of today’s world and the events taking place in the Middle East should be enough to get your attention and awaken you to the potential for the Marriage Trumpet to sound.

7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.” (Matthew 25: 7–10, NIV)

So, are your bags packed? Do you have oil in your lamp and more in reserve? Of course, those are just metaphors for a commitment to daily pursuing His face—a daily pursuit of that kind of intimacy where we finally hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful Servant.” This is the “personal relationship” part of being a Jesus person. He is our reward. Everything else flows from that place of intimacy. 

The best way to nurture that intimacy is by reading the Word. Immerse yourself in the Truth and Inspiration of God’s inspired Word. Press in, memorize, and dig deep. Then, get alone with Him and spend time exploring that wealth of wisdom in prayer. Let the Holy Spirit guide you into that place of peace and fulfillment. The more you press in, the easier it is to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice. 

There are two parts to how He speaks: The Truth, and through His Spirit. The Truth and Power. I have said this before, but it deserves repeating.

The Power of His Truth (The Word) is equal to the Truth of His Power (The Spirit). They are two sides of the same relationship.