The Wake Up Call

"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five of them were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep." Matthew 25:1-5 (NIV)

Jesus tells this story to illustrate what it will be like at the time of His return. Not all will be prepared for that hour. In fact, those waiting for His return will fall asleep when He takes longer than expected. When the bridegroom's arrival is announced, they wake up. Everyone looked like they were ready, but looks can be deceiving. Half of them had the Holy Spirit (oil) and half did not. Those who did went in to the wedding banquet. Those who did not were rejected by the bridegroom.

This story is a wake-up call for all of us who have been sleeping. Most people in our churches have lamps but we don't know if the person sitting next to us has oil for his lamp. That is why it is so important for us to let people know the bridegroom is coming soon!

In verse 13 Jesus says of His return: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."