“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “‘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.’ “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. “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:1-13 NIV
I always think of 9/11 when I read this parable. One thing I will always remember about 9/11 is how it changed the focus of America and placed their attention on spiritual things. It was as if a warning cry was sounded and everyone paid attention. The uncertainty of the hour seemed to wake everyone up and instantly brought them to an understanding of the importance of being right with God. Unfortunately, that focus on God didn’t last long.
There are two types of people presented in this story, all of them appear to have an interest in meeting the bridegroom, but only half have taken the necessary steps to be ready to do so. I find that most people I encounter acknowledge God and if asked, they would even express interest in knowing Him, yet far too many have done anything to make things right with Him.
It’s easy to get busy with life and push off spiritual matters, intending to take care of them later down the road. That appears to be the mindset of the virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom, but took no oil with them. The problem is, few people get any warning that their moment to meet the God is far enough away to make any last ditch effort to make things right with Him. Once the door is shut, it cannot be reopened, and our door of opportunity will shut either when Jesus returns or we take our last breath. How about you? Are you ready to meet God?
“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.” Here lies the saddest truth of this analogy. Having known God for several years, I can attest there is no better way to live. It’s not just all about where I will spend eternity, it’s about knowing God right here, right now. The pleasure and benefit of having a strong relationship with Christ begins the moment you make Him your Lord, not merely in the life to come. If you aren’t right with Christ, if He’s not your best friend, you’re missing it!