At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

In this first section of this parable, we are introduced to virgins who are symbolic of the kingdom of heaven. How so? Well, the church of God is said to be the bride of Christ, and so marriage is used as symbolism throughout the Bible. As a church, we all together are joined to Jesus Christ as our leader and bridegroom to provide for and protect us and to love us well. Jesus invites us to be one with his Spirit just as a bridegroom invites his bride to be one with him.

A part of the Jewish custom was for the bride(s) to have a lamp lit in a procession to follow the bridegroom to the wedding celebration. This might be a situation where the brides are from a ways away.

The requirement and expectation was they would be prepared with oil in their lamps to await their betrothed. The clear lesson here is to be prepared for the second coming of Jesus. Preparation and readiness to act in faithfulness to his call is paramount. It shows the heart’s sole devotion to him in love and obedience.

Many times it is easy to get lazy in obeying God — to think we will have time to get our spiritual act together later. But we will not. He will come in haste and we are to be found READY AND PREPARED.

Am I prepared for the second coming of my Lord? Does he hold the upmost importance in my life? How is this visible to others?

Lord Jesus, thank you for this challenge to stay ready and prepared for your second coming. It is more important than cultural or family acceptance or my comfort. Help me to strive and be determined to serve you each day and be found faithful and obedient to your Word.