By MYRA D. COLGATE
CHEROKEE PENTECOSTAL HOLINESS CHURCH
“God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep. In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bridegroom’s here! Go out and greet him!’ The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ’Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’ They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’ They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived, When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked. Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.’ He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you,’ So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.” – Matthew 25:1-13 (MSG)
Are you fully prepared to attend the Wedding Feast of the Lamb, our Lord Jesus? He will be coming for us at any time now—day or night—no one else knows the date or the hour—only God the Father. We must each be examining the extent of our own beliefs in Him as our Perfect Savior. There is no one else to believe in, or things to add to or take away from this Truth. We must know and believe He is our only Savior—and all He has done so perfectly. Our only part, besides truly believing and understanding this, is to publicly confess with our mouth that He has completely finished what was required for our salvation. It is only in our believing in Him and receiving Him as Lord and Savior that makes this true for us. We should finally realize that we can do nothing more, nor do anything less. The Parable of the Ten Virgins was given only to true believers who want to attend the Wedding Feast of the Lamb—those who have understood and remained in unquestioning belief.
Note: Not one of the silly or foolish ones were allowed to enter the Feast. Therefore, it is wise to ask daily to be filled with the Holy Spirit and the Oil of His Anointing, all done by those planning to attend the Feast. In Ephesians 5:19b we are commanded to do this (implied to be daily or whenever would be needed), “But be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Just as any vehicle would have to be filled regularly with oil in order for it to run properly, we need to be filled. By adding the gasoline or diesel fuel as needed, provides us with the ability to go forth. We definitely want to be filled so we can be ready to go wherever, or for whatever would be required next.
Everyone who is part of His Church should be present and prepared. Participating fully in the Great Harvest of Souls, and by daily getting into the Presence of God Almighty, they are known personally by the Bridegroom. It is in entering their own prayer closets daily, for private prayer and worship of God—which can activate His “Super-on-our-natural”. The Supernatural comes to us only through the Anointing of the Anointed One. Like the flowing of a river—or much like the air we easily can breathe ‘in and out’—the Holy Spirit flows into our situations. Requesting His help for those who are hurting, and joining in corporate worship together in unity, all can help in bringing the healings and in the bringing forth of salvation for those being led to receive Jesus as their Lord. Our willingness to participate in these demonstrative giftings is vital. We are His yielded earthen vessels He uses on the earth in this way. Fully surrendering our will to His Will—just as Jesus did—is what is necessary, and given in His Word, for those desirous to be followers of Jesus Christ.
It can help many, just by their having been shown the Love of God in this way. Everyone saved would also be ready to take his or her celebratory part in the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.
