Parable of the 10 Virgins

[tsth]

My husband and I were discussing the issue of the rapture and how we don't believe it is the NEXT event to happen prophetically. We were talking about how the Scriptures call for "endurance" and "perseverance", etc. That it is going to be tough to be a Christian in the days ahead, and that many have not considered the cost and may decide that this was NOT what they signed up for.

I mentioned that the parable of the 10 virgins came to mind, and how one group needed MORE oil. I wondered if it had to do with the above issue? If maybe the problem was that they had not anticipated a longer time of enduring, thus they were unprepared for the darkness that came and did not have enough oil, because they didn't think they would have need of it. It seems that this is the focus of the parable, a lack of supplies for a "longer" period of time. Is it a parable about being prepared for a longer haul? Enduring?

Just a thought.

What do you think?

Matthew 25

1 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' 12 But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[patricia1]

I love this parable.. There is so much in it. I think in a simple term...They were out of oil/ The Holy Spirit. I will read your whole post after I answer. They were not ready and busy doing other things.

When Jesus says "I never knew You." He is saying the gifts of God are without repentence but there relationship was lacking....so all ten were christians. there is more one can get out of this parable. I liken this parable to similarities with the wedding feast parable.. Okay now I will read both your opinions.

[OneLight]

As I read the scripture of the Ten Virgins, I also am reminded with the parable of "The Faithful Servant and the Evil Servant" Luke 12:35-48, "The Importance of Watching" Luke 21:34-36 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, "The Day of the Lord". They all warn us of not being watchful for His return. He gave us signs to watch for and understanding of these times. We are told to be in service to Him always and not to turn our attention away and get caught up in our daily lives, where we may be surprised and caught off guard, leaving us in a very bad place. Even though tough times may be upon us more and more as His day draws near, I don't think it pertains to any long haul, but to always be ready as we know not when He is to return

Luke 12:35-48

[tsth]

Yes, but what I am noting is that they ALL had oil and lamps to begin with...........some just did not have enough to last, the others did.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[OneLight]

Yes, but what I am noting is that they ALL had oil and lamps to begin with...........some just did not have enough to last, the others did.

In His Love,

Suzanne

True. They were thinking that they had enough time to go "tomorrow" for their oil and were not prepared for His return.

8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

As was pointed out, the oil is the Holy Spirit. They were not attending to His work. If a Christian turns from God's work in their life, they loose the blessings, or anointing, God gives them; therefore, not having enough oil for their lamps.

Be Blessed,

Alan

[EricH]

Moved from Doctrinal Discussions to Eschatology

[tsth]

I guess I'm the only one with the focus on "enduring" in this parable. It seems to me, that at first glance, they all are "prepared". Some just didn't have enough for the occasion.

My question is why? What is the meaning. It looks to me that there's a difference in anticipation and perception about what was to happen.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[OneLight]

I guess I'm the only one with the focus on "enduring" in this parable. It seems to me, that at first glance, they all are "prepared". Some just didn't have enough for the occasion.

My question is why? What is the meaning. It looks to me that there's a difference in anticipation and perception about what was to happen.

In His Love,

Suzanne

Maybe I should ask what you mean by enduring? It appears to me that all have endured, but only half were fulfilling His purpose and being obedient. Look at todays church (not pointing any fingers or asking you to judge anyone). If Christ were to come today, all those who are there did stick to their ideas as to how to be a Christian, but how many really were obeying and following His leading and commandments? Even Jesus told us that there will be a falling away in the end times and questioned if He would find faith on this earth when He returns.

Maybe I'm not getting what you are asking ...

[tsth]

That's ok Alan, I appreciate your attempt to.

Maybe I'm just reading too much into it.

It's just that they needed MORE oil. Yet the other 5 anticipated the need and had the necessary amount ALREADY. They knew what to anticipate in terms of the "the darkness", and having enough oil to light their way.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[OneLight]

That's ok Alan, I appreciate your attempt to.

Maybe I'm just reading too much into it.

It's just that they needed MORE oil. Yet the other 5 anticipated the need and had the necessary amoung ALREADY. They knew what to anticipate in terms of the "the darkness", and having enough oil to light their way.

In His Love,

Suzanne

Could the 5 unprepared be within the church that Jesus calls Lukewarm, while the other prepared 5 were in the church on fire for Him?