The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25
The Parable of the Ten Virgins

1 “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.

6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

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.

11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Jesus loves us. But there are limits -

I know that sounds contradictory, but its not. Not at all. As a parent, I set limits on my kids - because I loved them. I knew better than they about such things that appeared inviting but which would rob them of life. In the same manner that I can be a loving father and expect certain things from my children, our heavenly Father can too. And He loves us like no earthly father ever could, ever will.

So - we love to say, "Jesus loves me," but are we ready when He calls? The church I attend is searching for a new pastor. And I have spoken with a couple of the potential candidates. The conversations end up going the same each time - "We are praying that the Lord would prepare the heart of whoever comes to lead us, as He prepares our hearts to follow. We want to be ready."

I sure hope I'm speaking the truth for all of us, or at least enough of us that we truly are ready when He calls.