One of things we learn from the Bible is to be ready for opportunities! You will remember Jesus comparing the “kingdom of heaven” to “ten virgins.” Here is what Jesus said: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom” (Matt. 25:1-13). At this point, all is well and the “ten virgins” are equal. However, it is not long until this changes as Jesus continued: “And five of them were wise, and five were foolish” (verse 2). The word “foolish” (Greek – moros) means: “impious, godless.” This makes more difference that we generally think! It tells us about the character of the five virgins. They were without the right attitude toward God, as they were “impious,” that is they did not think of God as they should. They were not reverent toward him. Thus, being “godless” they did not prepare themselves for spiritual things! As a result of this great character failure; Jesus said: “They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them” (verse 3). Just think for a moment; they “took their lamps” but did not take the necessary oil the lamps required. In modern terms, it might be said, they took their car but failed to take the necessary gas for the trip! So, in simple terms, they were not prepared to take advantage of the great opportunity before them.
On the other hand, Jesus said of the other five virgins: “But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps” (verse 4). The word “wise” (Greek – phronimos), means: “prudent, mindful of one’s interests.” The “five virgins” here, were “prudent” in preparing for the occasion; as they “took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” They understood, the lamps would be useless without oil. They had their minds on their interests and their interest was in being prepared “to meet the bridegroom!” In this case, the “five virgins” not only took their lamps, but they also took “their vessels with their lamps.” They knew of the time and distance that was before them; therefore, they took other “vessels” full of oil. Their wisdom always said to them, be prepared for the opportunity set before you! But there is more! Being “wise” is their character, as they had spiritual things in their minds; their lives were ones filled with a pious, reverent nature toward God!
The trip was to take them to the point, as Jesus said: “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept” (verse 5). Here there is an equality between the “ten virgins!” But, it was not long until their equality would change. Jesus informs us, “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him” (verse 6). When the “cry” was made, all the virgins heard it, but once more we are able to see the difference. If we did not have the information that Jesus has already given, the text would show equality. Here the words of Jesus: “Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps” (verse 7). Notice that all ten virgins were told to “go ye out to meet him (the bridegroom).” We can see them getting up and taking hold of their lamps and moving forward in the direction of the bridegroom, but here it changes. And great is the change!
It appears the five foolish virgins knew immediately that they had a major problem, as Jesus said of them: “And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out” (verse 8). But, they did not get the answer they were looking for; Jesus gives us the answer of the five wise virgins: “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” (verse 9). This is not the answer we are prepared to hear, is it?
The conclusion is simple to understand. We, personally, must be prepared for the opportunities that come our way! So, what is the opportunity set before us? It is the “29th Annual Oklahoma City Lectures!” A great time to hear, to learn, to accept, to obey, and to have fellowship in the word of God.
Frank R. Williams