Matthew 25:1-13 The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Who is Invited
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Give Me Oil in My Lamp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bopa6jHReqk
You Are Invited to a Wedding
One of the main concerns of any wedding is the guest list. How many are coming? We have to know this so preparations can be made for the invitations, food, wine, accommodations and party favors. Much will take place during the SEVEN days of celebration at the Marriage feast of the Lamb. Who is invited to this feast and celebration? You cannot invite everyone right? Wrong! Actually, everyone is initially invited but only a few RSVP! Here is how the invitation reads: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Follow Me
Just like he called the apostles to “Follow me!” Following was understood. This meant leaving everything else behind. There must be a criteria or freeloaders and vagrants will show up for what can be gained without anything given. According to Jewish tradition only those who are ushered in during the return of the Bride and Bridegroom to the Father’s House will be allowed in for the week-long festivities. When the gate is shut, no one else is allowed. So, who are those ushered into the Presence of the Bridegroom?
“The dead in Christ shall rise first, then we who are alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the LORD.”
The dead in Christ shall rise first
This is important. Remember the graves opening with the earthquakes? I am not talking about opening like when I was a kid and there was a terrible flood in my hometown and caskets came up out of the ground and could be seen floating down the river filled with bones of those laid to rest centuries ago. I am speaking of bodies rising to life; walking, talking, and being seen and known. Two resurrections in three days.
Where did these souls go? Did they have to die again? I don’t think so. I think they ascended to heaven with Jesus when he ascended to His Father either right after His resurrection or at His seen ascension. If I am wrong, Lazarus had lots of company walking around and if I am right Lazarus was only required to endure this life AGAIN for a few days. Only one physical death to each life! Thank you, Lord for Your Mercy!
(I Corinthians 6:14; I Cor 15:42-44)(Revelation 22:20 NASB1995 – He who testifies to these things says, – Bible Gateway
World out of Control
The world is spinning out of control. “Evil is called good and good is called evil.” (Isaiah 5:20; I Timothy 3:1-4; Matthew 24:12) The other night my own child compared our political system to the Sanhedrin. The analogy is really insightful! As a people of the world, the majority have lost all reason and mankind’s’ moral compass is headed due South not due North. Mankind is only “looking out for number one.
Christians are praying for the bridegroom to come quickly! We want “outta here!”
Who are these dead in Christ and those who are alive. The answer is really very simple: Those believers who have passed away since Christ ascended and the believers who are currently alive. Those who have trusted Jesus as Savior and LORD! It is not enough to believe in Jesus. Even the demons believe in Jesus. (James 2:14-19) The key is all about fidelity and commitment to obedience. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and NO ONE comes to the Father but by ME.” (emphasis mine) John 14:6 We who have accepted this condition are the ones who will be within the gates for the celebration. Our hearts and our heads are in agreement: “Jesus is the One for me!” (John 6:40)
This is why we are “ready to go” as I say. Keep your eyes on the Eastern sky! (Revelation 22:20) “Come quickly Lord Jesus!” is our collective cry. Be sure you check your motives for this plea. Is it because you want Jesus and Jesus alone or are you just wanting out of the chaos of this life, its hurts, the problems, the disease, destruction, disability, discord, and death of this fallen world. It matters to Jesus because we plead, “come quickly!” He wants to be our One and Only reason. This is the criteria for Who Is Invited. You have your invitation! But have you responded? Is there a place for you at the table of grace? I pray I will see you there!
Yvonne Jones
