PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 25:1-13
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’” (Matthew 25:12)
In this story, Jesus says that the unprepared maidens are not known or recognized.
They claim to know the bridegroom, but the bridegroom does not know them.
Is there a large group (50%) in the church that Jesus does not know?
In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus describes such unknown disciples as ‘evildoers’.
That is, they claimed forgiveness, but they did not attempt to live like it.
Jesus has given us his Spirit (sometimes symbolized by oil) to become recognizable.
The Spirit of Jesus is working in us to produce love, joy, peace, etc.
If we do not attempt to grow with and like Jesus, we remain unrecognizable to him.
We have access to the oil (Spirit) but we need ‘be filled’ with it (Ephesians 5:18).
We share in the oil of the Spirit, but is it increasing in us (2 Peter 1:3-9)?
Following Jesus is more than forgiveness; it is joining him to overcome evil with love.
He will help us, but if we don’t make use of his help, he won’t recognize us!
Knowing Jesus is not enough, we need to be known by Jesus (a two way relationship).
If I never show up to withdraw from his reservoir of ‘oil’, how will he know me?
PRAYER
Lord, you are waiting for me everyday to seek your oil. As I come, not only do I get to know you but you get to know me. I want to know you, and I want you to know me!
Am I ready? Am I prepared to wait – not to be impatient or lose hope but prepare for the long haul. Jesus may want me to serve a long time – am I prepared – to be engaged and busy for him and not for myself – but be ready as a watchman who is on the watch – knowing He could be calling me home or coming himself. I’m reminded not to be so ‘heavenly minded’ no to be much ‘earthly good!” Actually the distinctions don’t work. Rather the picture of being on the road preparing for the arrival of the bridegroom – of Jesus – in the same realm as He is. He comes – I don’t go – so let me think of kingdom work right here and now because that’s where I am placed. So I don’t wait sitting around, but I utilize all that I am for him – to be ready when He finally comes or comes to take me home.
1 Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning.
Give me oil in my lamp, I pray.
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning.
Keep me burning till the break of day.
Refrain:
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
sing hosanna to the King of kings!
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
sing hosanna to the King!
2 Give me love in my heart, keep me sharing.
Give me love in my heart, I pray.
Give me love in my heart, keep me sharing.
Keep me sharing till the break of day. (Refrain)
3 Give me joy in my heart, keep me singing.
Give me joy in my heart, I pray.
Give me joy in my heart, keep me singing.
Keep me singing till the break of day. (Refrain)
4 Give me faith in my heart, keep me praying.
Give me faith in my heart, I pray.
Give me faith in my heart, keep me praying.
Keep me praying till the break of day. (Refrain)
The above song immediately came to my mind as I read today’s passage. I am powerless with Christ working in me and through me. I need His presence, His Spirit to lead and guide me always so I am able to live for Him. And in Him I need to shine. Shine for Jesus. Live for Jesus Who enables me to live and grow and serve Him in word and deed. The joy of the Lord God is my strength and song and today I go forward in that power sharing His presence.