Caught Short

So the foolish ones went off to buy some oil; and while they were gone, the bridegroom arrived. The five who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was closed. Matthew 25:10 (GNT)

I had out the buttermilk, flour, and chicken on the counter.  I had a taste for fried chicken.  I went to get the oil from the cabinet, but I couldn’t find it.  I thought for a moment.  I wish I could have kicked myself because I deserved it.  I had never picked up the oil.  I had been out a couple of times but had decided I didn’t want to get out of the car.  I just wanted to go home.  There would be another opportunity I had thought.  However, there was not.  The stores were closed, the chicken was floating in buttermilk and my desire for fried chicken would have to be satisfied with oven-fried.  

Procrastination and the idea that you will always have another chance is a dangerous game.  Eventually, your next opportunities will be no more. This includes your salvation.

In Matthew, (25:1-13), Jesus tells a parable.  It is of the 10 Virgins.  Mostly it is taught as a parable to always be ready for the coming of Christ.  However, I think it is more than just a parable of the end time.  I think it is a lesson for every day. Five of the virgins had their lamps lit and carried an extra jar of oil.  The five foolish virgins had very little oil in their lamps and no extra.  They panicked.  Begged for oil from the other virgins, but there was nothing the others could do, time had come.  The bridegroom waited.  Finally, panicked ran out to find an open merchant.  By the time they returned the door to the feast had been closed and they were denied entrance. 

It seems a simple enough parable.  Be prepared daily for you do not know when your days will come to an end.  It is a bit more I believe.  I think the virgins didn’t just suffer from procrastination, they had doubt and were arrogant in believing that the other women would help them or that the door would be opened though they had failed to be prepared and ready.  I think we are the same.  We take for granted that tomorrow will come.  That God’s mercies will extend.  The truth for all of us to consider is that eventually our opportunities and our tomorrows will end.  There is no second chance then. 

Daily we should live as if it is the last.  We should take time to share Christ, do what is right, live as blameless as we can, and tell those in our lives how much we love them. Forgive those that have hurt you, ask for forgiveness, and forgive yourself. 

Keep the oil lit and do not be caught short.

Typist for Jesus