Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps.
Matthew 25:2-4 (NASB1995)
Today’s verse comes from a familiar parable told by Jesus about bridesmaids being ready for the arrival of the bridegroom. If there is one thing we know in this world, it is that weddings need careful preparation. The Jewish wedding described in this parable was a procession between the bride and bridegroom’s houses, which required torches/lamps to light the way. In Biblical times, such lights required sufficient oil to burn brightly to light the way. Sadly, half of the bridesmaids in the parable had not prepared well enough and didn’t have enough oil for their lamps.
This parable has spoken to many believers over the years, in which the oil represents our need for the Holy Spirit to light the way in our lives. In my recent meditation on this parable, I saw that a source of the Spirit in my life is God’s Word. I need to be ready for my Lord’s return/wedding; I need the light of the Spirit showing me the way – I find communion with the Spirit through daily reading and prayer in God’s Word, it is my Guidebook.
Dear Reader, I pray that you have the oil of God’s Word lighting your way today and that you will be ready for Christ’s return.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Devotional Treasures
