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Self - Sufficient

Matt. 25: 1 - 13, 'The Kingdom of heaven shall be likened to 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now 5 of them were wise, the other 5 were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 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. The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, 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, open to us!' But He answered, '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.'

To be self - sufficient is to be able to supply one's own or their own needs without external assistance. So you can see, when it comes to eternity - you'll find that lesson within the lesson. Obviously, the scripture tells us to be ready for the bridegroom, (Which is personified as Christ), the 10 virgins, the pure who represent the kingdom, are to light the way for the Lord to rapture His church. We see the larger truths here, but there is a personal challenge here that we can miss if we fail to investigate the scripture...let's take a look at what Jesus is telling us.

Firstly, this story captures God's view of the Kingdom...meaning, in the Kingdom of God, you will have wise and foolish people...this gives way to the truth that only half will make it into His Kingdom...that's very scary considering that we ALL desire to be with Him.

Secondly, we see that between the wise and the foolish, THEY BOTH HAD THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES to meet with Him. The difference however, was preparation and dedication to seeing Him! The bible clearly says that not only did they have lamps, but they had a vessel to carry (EXTRA) oil with them...what a beautiful picture of faith vs. human effort...the foolish thought the oil they already had in the lamp was enough...many times, our own human efforts for Christ can blind us to the true need for Him...if you don't believe me, ask Martha!  Furthermore, this oil wasn't free - IT HAD TO PAID FOR...the foolish had this idea in the back of their minds...'If we run out, we'll just ask them, they'll take care of us!'  My were they mistaken...

Romans 12: 3b, 'As God has given to each of us, a measure of faith'

There's O so much to go around...listen, I can't live for God > for you; there's a personal price that must be paid, and you must pay that price!


Finally, the bridegroom only gathered those who were ready...He did not rebuke them for not SHARING their oil! He took them to the banquet! Why? They were ready, that's why! When the foolish finally showed up, they were not allowed in...not because they were too late...but because HE DIDN'T KNOW THEM...this gives way to the thought that Jesus only recognizes those who are ready for His return!  This narrows down the list of qualified people for eternal glory!

Notice, that is says nothing about the good, the church goer, the righteous, etc...it doesn't give those details, but He does talk about the READY. Obviously, if you are ready, these other qualities can be found in you...are you ready for Christ's return? Did you bring your oil with you to keep your lamp burning through this dark world? Are you willing to pay the price to keep the oil with you? In His name, can you be self - sufficient?

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