THE STORY OF THE FOOLISH VIRGINS? ........How to avoid their Pitfall

THE FOOLISH VIRGINS

Introduction

The Parable of the Foolish Virgins is an important illustration of how a  Christian can miss heaven due to carelessness.  Imagine that the virgins were qualified to enter into the banquet, they got to the venue on time,  but could not enter the Hall due to lack of foresight, they did not foresee any delay in the arrangement and therefore took no extra oil from home.

They loved the Lord and maintained their purity as virgins, yet there was no discernment.  They may have thought that the Lord will keep to the time the organizers gave them, and so there was no need to take extra oil.

It could also be that they left home in a hurry in order to get to the venue on time and take their seat in the front row.  This parable is teaching us to pay attention to details, be guided by the Holy Spirit always, so that what our human brain could not imagine and think, the Holy Spirit will bring them to our attention.

The parable is also saying that it is not how long, but how good.   It is a warning to all believers to be diligent and be led by the Spirit of God.  Let's now, look at the parable in detail.

This parable of the foolish virgins is found in  Matthew 25.1-13, it says:

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,  but the wise took oil in their vessels (jars, flasks) with (in addition to) their lamps.

But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.  “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’  Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.  “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’  But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’  “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming".

The importance of the Parable

This parable is teaching us the importance of being diligent in serving the Lord.  God is not a respecter of persons, and so those who will serve the Lord diligently will be rewarded.  God is a rewarded of those who diligently serve Him Hebrew 11:5.  

The artist depiction of the foolish virgin may look casual, but it can convey some important message to all of us.  A look at the pictures shows ladies who are carnally minded.  From their physical appearance, you can see ladies in love with the world.  Ladies dressed in the tire of this world that exposes their body and attract attention to themselves.

You cannot plead with them to cover their body properly and they will ask what is wrong with what they are wearing.  You remember that Esau lost his birthright with a plate of porridge, Why?   He had no respect for the birthright, without knowing there are benefits attached to it.  Later in life, he sought for it with weeping and crying, but Jacob has gone with it and the covenant of Abraham rested on Jacob.

Some teachers argue that the oil which the foolish virgins lacked is the Holy Spirit, but I wonder how it can be the Holy Spirit which they received when they gave their hearts to Christ.  How did they lose the Holy Spirit and yet they were qualified to be present at the banquet venue, checked inside and cleared to wait for the coming of the Lord?

I believe they were born again virgins who were careless with their Christian lives, resulting in their having a spot in their garment.  Remember that Esau lost his birthright with one mistake, a plate of food and that's it.  These ladies may have taken one doctrine of the Lord for granted, thinking that it does not matter.  It could be forgiveness,  envy, bitterness, anger, desire for evil things of this world, seduction and lasciviousness etc.

Beloved, God looks at the heart and if there is filthiness, envy or any other hidden faults, the person will be disqualified.  From the parable, they were qualified in the eyes of the organizers of the dinner.  

Their garment was okay, they had their lamps with them and so, in the eyes of the flesh, they are okay.  But, when the final test came, they were caught napping.  Alas, they lacked something important, the staying power - extra oil.

There will be a final Test

This story reminds me of the rich young man who answered all the questions the Lord put to him and appeared to be blameless.  But, when the Lord chaste a glance at his heart, he saw that his heart was not with the Lord, but on his many riches and great possessions.  He advised him to sell all he had and give the proceeds to the poor and needy, thereby laying treasures for himself in heaven.  Then, he should come and follow Him.

Suddenly, our blameless brother, who probably pays his tithe and offerings, studies the scriptures and obeys the word of God became sad and overwhelmed.  His countenance fell and he walked away without a "Yes Lord" answer.  Why?  

His possessions were great and his heart was trusting in those uncertain riches, and he cannot let go.  He loved the Lord and kept the law, but failed the test of Trusting in the Almighty God for his provision, he failed.  The truth is that no man can serve two monsters at the same time.  A man with a divided heart cannot serve God acceptably.

Remember the Wedding Banquet guest

This story was repeated in the wedding banquet parable when the King asked his men to go to the road and invite everyone they saw to his son's wedding banquet.  There again, there was a man that got into the arena without his wedding garment.  He was smart to break into the venue, but his smartness could not get him into the hall when the door was about to open.

They were all seated when the King came around to inspect the guests before the banquet hall is opened.  When the king came in and looked at all the guests that had been invited and seated.  

The king saw a man without his wedding robes and he questioned him saying, "How come you are in here not having on the wedding garment"? What did the King say? Throw him out!. Not only that, but He also said, “Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 

Many have Fallen Already

The parable is a reminder that there will be a final test for everyone to pass.  It is not just enough to be born again and to have served the Lord for many years.  Is your garment spotless?  

We should be careful and prayerful, and the bible says "Let him that thinketh that he stand, be careful, so he does not fall into error. Nobody has arrived before the Lord, and so let everyone be humble and vigilant, lets he fall into error. 

1. The foolish virgins fell due to inadequate preparation - Lack of extra oil

2. Esau failed due to hunger - A plate of porridge.  

3. The rich Youngman failed the test of perfection due to his possessions.  

4. The men and women that left Egypt for the promised land, all died in the wilderness due to murmuring, except for Joshua and Caleb.

5. The wedding guest also came without his wedding garment and was thrown out into outer darkness.
6. Remember Lot's wife - She lost it due to love for earthly possessions

Conclusion

The parable and similar illustrations go to show, that among the very elect, there will be people lacking in something required for eternity.  I pray again that the Lord will show us mercy and present us spotless on the day of rapture in Jesus name.

O' Lord, I don't want to miss heaven, please show me mercy.  keep me by your power till the end in Jesus name - That's my prayer.  I don't know about you, but, I am a sinner that needs Jesus every day of my life.  I need His presence and mercy daily and I pray for you that the Lord will show you mercy, in Jesus name.

For those who have not given their heart to Jesus, I plead with them to do so today.  Repent of all known sin and invite Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Saviour.  

Go to God in prayer now, make the confessions and thank Him for redeeming your life.  Welcome to the family of Christ!

FIRE...