Oil in Their Lamps - Matthew 25:4

Matthew the apostle wrote how Jesus told His disciples, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them”, and in chapter twenty-five and verse four of his book, Matthew writes how Jesus said the “wise” virgins, “took oil with them” where we read:

But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

The verse reads, “But the wise took oil in their vessels ...” Matthew began with Jesus' word, “but” which means “nevertheless, nonetheless, moreover and” “the wise” or “intelligent, prudent and mindful of one's interest virgins” “took oil” which means “carried and brought fuel” “in their vessels” or “within their receptacles, pails or reservoirs”. Matthew shared how Jesus said the “wise virgins” carried “fuel” in “receptacles or reservoirs”.

The verse goes on to say, “... with their lamps.” Matthew continued with Jesus' words, “with their lamps” which means “alongside their flames which were fed with oil”. Matthew shared how Jesus said the “five wise virgins” carried “fuel” alongside their “lamps”.

When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we understand how the “wise virgins” understood the importance of carrying “fuel” for their “lamps” with them. Though the “foolish virgins” did not prepare, the “wise virgins” knew the importance of having sufficient “fuel” for lighting their “lamps”. God knows people need His “Holy Spirit”, and He is willing to give Him to those who submit their lives to His Son Jesus Christ. Once they do, God's Spirit enters into them and they become people with God's “fuel” for living in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

Next time Matthew writes how Jesus says, “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.