The Kingdom is Like This
Reading
Matthew 25:1-13 KJV
25 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Devotional
When Jesus says "the kingdom of heaven is like," our ears should perk up. He's revealing something crucial about eternity. The parable of the ten virgins isn't just a story—it's a warning wrapped in grace. All ten were invited. All ten had lamps. But only five had oil. The difference wasn't in the invitation but in the preparation. Are you living with the reality that Jesus is coming back? Not just believing it intellectually, but ordering your daily decisions around it? Today, examine your lamp. Do you have oil—a genuine, active relationship with God—or just the appearance of readiness? The bridegroom is still tarrying, which means today is your opportunity to prepare.
Reflection Question: If Jesus returned today, would you be ready, or would you need to go buy oil?
Matthew 25:1-13 KJV
25 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Devotional
When Jesus says "the kingdom of heaven is like," our ears should perk up. He's revealing something crucial about eternity. The parable of the ten virgins isn't just a story—it's a warning wrapped in grace. All ten were invited. All ten had lamps. But only five had oil. The difference wasn't in the invitation but in the preparation. Are you living with the reality that Jesus is coming back? Not just believing it intellectually, but ordering your daily decisions around it? Today, examine your lamp. Do you have oil—a genuine, active relationship with God—or just the appearance of readiness? The bridegroom is still tarrying, which means today is your opportunity to prepare.
Reflection Question: If Jesus returned today, would you be ready, or would you need to go buy oil?
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