“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnightthere was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 25:1-13 KJV
When I was reading this, this morning, I was reminded of the New England houses with the "widow's walk." When their husbands were gone to sea, the women would go up to the roof on the widows' walk and search the horizon for a glimpse of sails in hopes of their husband's return! Many women loved their husbands so much, they spent the remainder of their lives watching and waiting; never to see them again, but they never stopped looking for his return!
How many of us love The LORD so much as to never give up watching for His return? How many church going "Christians" have already given up; thinking in their hearts, "Since the Disciples; they've watched and He hasn't come!"?
Watching with expectancy shows our love!
Obedience shows our love!
Most associate The Virgin story with the fantasy of the rapture. That was what I was taught in the denomination I attended. And I watched for His return as an escape from the very things He designed which would make me into His image. I had not been taught to obey His commandments; repentance of unforgiveness, judgments, bitterness, anger, fear and the like. Oh, I loved The Lord, but He was not my LORD! I attended church every time the doors were opened, but I was not His servant or follower. I had had an experience but my change had not separated me from the world! I was a foolish virgin!
Now, my life HAS changed and I long for His return, and am content to watch for Him, and walk in obedience to His Commandments, enduring to the end whatever He brings my way that will conform me and perfect me into His image! He is the principal purpose of my life! He is ever on my mind.
How did this change occur?
I surrendered!
I gave up my will for His will!
I stopped trying to live my life on my own; realized I was not in control; I was not God, but He is! I accepted His sacrifice for my salvation; that I had been bought and became His slave! Oh what a marvelous thing; to be His! I never understood before!
I had been taught "He did it all" (and He did) but do not think for a moment His sacrifice will cost you nothing; for He requires your all! And when you truly love Him, you gladly give it all! It's the least you can do!
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40 KJV
ALL of your heart!
You can not love anyone or anything more than Him, or you don't love Him with "all" of your heart! That includes your children, your spouse, your home, your career, your country; nothing can be before Him! Lay down your idols.
That is obedience!
That is surrender!
Do not be a foolish virgin!
Repent while there is indeed still time! We are not promised tomorrow!
"Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh!" Matthew 25:11-13 KJV
Come Lord Jesus!
Even so - MARANATHA!
From 1/9/17
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