Jesus explains the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom, only five were wise and five were foolish. The wise virgins took extra oil for their lamps because they did not know the exact hour that the bridegroom would arrive. However, the five foolish virgins did not take extra oil. "The bridegroom was a long time coming, and they became drowsy and fell asleep." According to Jesus' parable, the bridegroom came at the midnight hour for his brides and the cry rang out that the bridegroom was there and to go out and meet him. But, the foolish virgins were out of oil and asked to borrow some from the wiser women. The wise virgins refused to give up any of their oil for fear there might not be enough for all of them. They told the foolish girls to go and buy more oil for their lamps. While the women were out buying more oil, the bridegroom arrived and only those who were there went with him to "the wedding banquet". Then the door was shut and nobody else was allowed in. When the other women arrived from buying their oil, they were not let in. They were not known to the bridegroom. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."
Problems:
The five foolish virgins are indicative of the problems with those who do not keep watch and are prepared when the bridegroom arrives. It will be like this in Jesus' second coming. Since we do not know the day or hour, we must be responsible for our own spiritual condition. We will not be able to "loan" our faith and preparedness to anyone else. It is solely their responsibility. When we are prepared, we will be met with Jesus' open arms and allowed into the kingdom of heaven. We will be known to him.
Parallels:
Revelations 19:7 (For the wedding of the lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean was given to her to wear). 1Thessolonians 5:6 (So then let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled).
In this parable of the 10 bridesmaids, Jesus promises those who are faithful and prepared will be allowed into the kingdom of heaven and promises those who are not prepared will not be granted access. These people will not be known to the bridegroom. Those who remain watchful will not be able to loan the others any of their oil.
Perils:
I see the perils in this passage as those that are not applied to being watchful and being ready for Jesus' return. Those who need to go out and buy more oil will not be here when he does return and will not be allowed into the kingdom of heaven.
Precepts:
The command or precept I see in this passage has to do with remaining watchful. Being ever vigilant and faithful that Jesus will keep his promise to return and reward those who have been expecting him. "Remain watchful, faithful, and believe that the bridegroom will return when least expected and those who have remained loyal will receive their rewards by being granted front row seats in the kingdom of heaven."
Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by remaining watchful for Jesus' return to earth. I will stay the course, fight the good fight, and be prepared with extra oil for my lamp. I will not need to go to K-Mart and buy any more and I will not loan any out to others. I feel that I will be rewarded for my faithfulness by entering the kingdom of heaven if I do these things. I am ready Lord.
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