Pastor's article 08-17-25

In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches a parable of the wise and foolish virgins. In this parable, Jesus shows how the five wise virgins took oil in their lamps as they went to wait for the bridegroom that was coming. The five foolish virgins took their lamps but took no oil. Think about that; they took their oil burning lamps because they assumed they would need them but took no oil to fuel them. To put it plainly, they did not prepare for the arrival of the bridegroom. The custom of the day was that if their lamp was not burning when the expected bridegroom came, then they were not allowed into the marriage chambers to participate in the ceremony. As you may remember, the five foolish, unprepared virgins tried to borrow oil from the five wise virgins and were denied. They went to buy oil and while they were gone, the bridegroom came and the wedding party moved inside. When they came back with their burning lamps, they were denied entry and were told that they were not known. The parable ends with these words: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Mathew 25:13   The whole point of the parable is to teach us that it is foolish to live our lives knowing that Jesus (The Bridegroom) is coming and not be prepared for this all-important day. Friend, when He comes, it will be too late to get ready, but today you have opportunity. Make certain you are ready to meet the Lord. It is wise to be ready and foolish to neglect or put off the most important aspect of your life. If you are not ready when He comes, you will miss not just a meal and a celebration, but eternity in Heaven.  Eternity is too long to be wrong about.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus