Behold the Bridegroom Cometh - PART 180

The scriptures state that the day of the Lord shall come as a thief in the night. The Bible warns believers to watch for that day so that it does not come upon them unawares.

Remember the parable of the five wise (believers) and the five foolish (unbelievers)? The sad part about the parable appears to be that both the wise believers and foolish unbelievers were asleep. However, as the scriptures note, there was another who had not fallen asleep. In fact, he or she was the one shouting, "Behold the bridegroom is coming! Arise, go forth and meet Him."

The ten arose from their sleep but went in opposite directions. The five foolish, well, one might consider them to be well described when referred to as foolish. By reason of their teachers, they had lost their original enthusiasm for God within their once receptive heart. The oil, or their conscience within their lives was empty. No longer did they appreciate the lamp of God in their lives.(Perhaps, it is here that they should consider pushing the panic button!)

Conversely, the other five, well they sort of were T-boned, rubbing shoulders with the so called wisdom of unbelieving teachers, Or as the scriptures might suggest, the blind leading the blind. Admittedly, this is a rather feeble excuse. Nevertheless, they were sleeping as well. To an onlooker, it would be hard or even impossible to distinguish one group from the other. How sad!

Such is the case today. The Book of Revelations points to the example of the Laodicean church who receives a message from the Lord. You are neither cold nor are you hot, and, as a consequence, it would be better that you were either cold or hot. But because you are lukewarm, and neither cold or hot, I will have nothing more to do with you. Of course, hopefully, the wise were oblivious to their hopeless condition and upon hearing this message for renewed hope trimmed their lamps.

And that the five wise with oil (Holy Spirit) in their lamp (lives) upon trimming their lamps, unloaded the Satanic hypocrisy of unbelief that accompanied their lukewarm perspective so that they then could go forth to meet their Lord!

This is the place where we are today. Although there are signs, signs, everywhere a sign, we have forgotten the importance of keeping our own oil lamps trimmed. This parable serves as a reminder for us to be ready for the coming of the Lord. In other words, do not listen to the soothsayers who have the answer to everything and yet remain without substance.

Instead, behold the message of hope in the scriptures. Your bridegroom cometh. Trim your lamp now so that you too can go forth to meet Him on that day. Stand in the offering plate.