A word from a "friend"

...LIGHTS OUT

Matthew 25:1-13; “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; but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 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. 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. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said; verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the son of man cometh”

This parable reveals to us the relevance and irreplaceable position of God’s grace in the life of a Christian.

What distinguishes the virgins in the parable above is that, the wise five had wisdom to carry extra oil for their lamps while the foolish five did not; hence, they had to go buy more oil and missed the bridegrooms coming.

To some people, the oil in this story represents the Holy Spirit and to others it represents God’s Grace. I agree to both of them because you cannot separate Grace from the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of Grace; Zechariah 12:10; and Hebrews 10:29; describes the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Grace.

The grace of God was abundant in the life of the wise virgins; I say this because while they all slept and slumbered in verse 5, the wise virgins then woke up with their extra oil that they had gotten. The grace of God will always work for you in those times were you feel you can’t go on or when some things are pulling you down. The Spirit of grace is always there to help you move on firmly.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t just bring the Grace of God; He is an embodiment of what God represents; He is the Spirit of Wisdom, Love, Strength, Happiness, Joy and the entirety of God. He is God Himself.

It was the Holy Spirit that gave the wise virgins the wisdom to carry extra oil for their lamps. This is to say He was there all the way until the Bridegroom came and in that time, He:
Renewed their souls
Purified their conscience
Enlightened their minds
Strengthened their faith
Directed their will
Warmed their hearts with genuine love
Elevated their thoughts
Revived their whole nature
Gave them peace and joy in their soul.

How do we get this extra oil? How do we stay in fellowship with the Spirit of Grace? Prayer and study of the Word of God is very vital as that is food for the spirit. We must create time to commune with the Holy Spirit thereby getting to know Him; just as we would do when we want to get closer to our friends.

God is always ready to pour out His grace; you need to rely on Him and trust that He will always come through for you. Hebrews 4:16; you have to ask God for whatever you need; ask for grace and you shall receive. You need the Holy Spirit because He reveals the Grace of God- John 15:5 “For without me ye can do nothing”.