Time To Trim The Lamp

Today’s bible readings are Exodus 26:1-27:21, Matthew 25:1-30, Psalm 31:1-8, & Proverbs 8:1-11

 

Today’s readings in the Gospel of Matthew are so important for us to look at. They are such powerful parable’s that deal with us & His return. I know that we talk about it a lot, BUT JESUS IS COMING SOON! Tonight in our church service there was prophetic word that was in line with these parables. I believe that it is a confirmation that the Spirit wants me to write on this topic.

In the parable of the 10 virgins we see 5 wise & 5 foolish virgins.

Matthew 25:2-5

² Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. ³ The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, ⁴ but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. ⁵ When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

I know that there are many who think that the return of Christ is not something that is going to happen anytime soon. I am of the school of thought that we have to live each day as though He were coming. I know for me, it helps me stay focused on what is most important. I don’t have time to get caught up in popularity games, worldly stuff, love of money, etc… if I live each day as though it were the last one here on earth.

The reality is that Jesus is going to come at a time when many least expect it. I am 36 years old. Most people my age think very little about the return of Christ. That is why so many are wrapped up in building their own kingdom. They are so focused on what they want that they are missing out on serving the King & building His kingdom. They are only storing up treasures on earth. That is not what Jesus taught us.

Matthew 6:19-21

¹⁹ “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

There is a reason that some people think about heaven more than others, it is because they have stored up more treasure there than others. There is a reason that some are more intentional about how they spend their time & use their talents, it is because they have too much invested in the kingdom to back away from it now. They have more waiting there that matters far more than anything down here. They are very mindful of how they live because their heart is somewhere else.

In the parable the bridegroom did come. Even though there was a delay, HE STILL SHOWED UP! I want to make it clear—HE WILL COME. HE WILL COME SOON!

In the parable he came at the midnight hour. This was a time when you would least expect him to come. It was a time in which you would think it would be ok to be sleeping. It was at a time in which you wouldn’t think one would need to be concerned about oil.

I can’t help but think of how important it is to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit. In the bible, He is often symbolized by oil. In this parable it is the same. We MUST keep our fire for God burning & the Holy Spirit is the way we make sure that this happens.

1.      He is the One who keeps us energized.

2.      He is the One who sustains us.

3.      He is the One who keeps us walking in love.

4.      He is the One who makes us successful.

5.      He is the One who keeps us focused.

6.      He is the One who empowers us.

7.      He is the One who fills us.

I want to leave you with a few thoughts today.

1.      What do you spend most of your time thinking about?

2.      What do you spend most of your time praying about?

3.      What is the greatest passion in your life?

4.      What are you most invested in?

I believe it is time for many to re-evaluate their lives. The hour is drawing near to the return of the Bridegroom. Let’s wake up & make sure that we are ready for the glorious day. There has never been a day like it & it will only come once. YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS IT!!!

Pastor Richard Schlotter