But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
Later the others also came. “Lord, Lord,” they said, “open the door for us!”
But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.”
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

And now we come to the final part of this story — the wedding! Those who were prepared and ready went in and joined with the bridegroom. But those who were not ready were rejected.

Applied spiritually, this highlights the truth that intellectual and conceptual belief does not get you into heaven. Neither does your family heritage or past actions. There is one way to peace with God and this is through Jesus Christ.

Those who are not ready will be rejected. Those who did not follow Jesus in life will not follow him at his second coming.

There is also an interesting connection in my mind here between the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for Christ-followers and this story about oil in lamps. What is the purpose of oil in a lamp? Is it not to shine? And is it not to shine for a long time?

So too, when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, he sends his Spirit, the Holy Spirit to dwell with us in our hearts. He shines through us!

At Pentecost, the Spirit of God descended on the disciples as flames of fire, which provided light. Here too, the oil in the lamp is used to provide light.

God takes us on this journey called life. We have to live in readiness and faithfulness to Jesus. The virgins waited and had to be patient too. Some did and were ready; others were not.

Will I be ready when Jesus comes? Will you?

Lord, thank you for this warning to be ready for your return. There are no “do overs” or “mulligans” on the day of your return. Time will have run out. Those faithful who are found ready, will join you. Oh, how I look forward to that glorious day!