Luke 12:35-38
Be Ready To Open The Door For Jesus
“Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps alight. And be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master shall find on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table, and will come and wait upon them. “Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.” - Jesus
- What does it mean to be dressed in readiness?
- What does it mean to keep your lamps alight?
To be dressed in readiness requires us to be wearing our servant’s uniform which means that we are not to be dressed in our pajamas! It means that when Jesus arrives we don’t want to be in the middle of some sinful desire or a pursuit of an earthly ambition. We want to be found doing His housework, His chores, His duties, all the things He left on the list before He went away, and even more than this He will be returning from a great celebration and we should be desiring to do something extra special as a surprise for Him! To be dressed means that our thoughts are continually on maintaining His house.
-Evangelizing, -Training our brothers, -Living by example, - Spurring one another on to greater works for God. These things should cause us to be dressed for action 24 hours a day. We are to always be on duty.
To keep our lamps alight means to be spending time with God. When we sit at God’s feet He renews the oil in our lamps. Every time we sit in God’s presence He is actually transforming us and renewing us like water to a tree. Sometimes it can take half an hour of just sitting still before Him, just to clear our minds from the panic and stress of the day. But after that half hour His peace fills us to overflowing and we are filled with His oil. Verse 32 is a wonderful word to dwell on as we pray for His peace. “Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” –Jesus These are wonderful and gracious words from our dear Savior who knew how much we were going to need them. I just love Him more everyday for His thoughtfulness in leaving me with words like these. Jesus we love you so much!
I just want to finish with what Jesus says in verse 40. “You too be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.” When Jesus says that it could be the second or third watch it means that it will be quite late and will be hard for us to remain alert. And let us take warning from the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 for it says that there will be a great shout or wake-up call and it will be to late for those who have no oil to be able to get any! At the shout it is already too late. The Bridegroom arrives and the five without oil are still seeking it when He comes and takes those who are ready. The oil is found by putting aside everything that seems important in this world so that we might spend time with God, and like that parable tells us, the five who had oil could not give theirs to the ones who didn’t have any, just as I cannot give any of you the time I spend with God, I can only direct you to seek Him earnestly. My time with God only fills my lamp! It is impossible to fill your lamps with my oil. And oil cannot be had casually from God, it takes spending a lot of time with Him. If you wait for the shout you have waited too long to seek Him earnestly! There is not enough time at that point and you will be left outside the gate. He says that at the shout all will wake up, some will be ready and some will not. I earnestly entreat each of you; do not wait for the shout before you start seeking Him with your whole heart!
Now is the time to take our salvation seriously and to keep each other alert. May God bless each of us with an awakening before it is too late!
Hi Seth.
ReplyDeleteYou especially got my attention when you said, one can not give the time he spent with God to another. But I think, many people try to do that today. They go to church on Saturday/Sunday, hear their pastors talk about scriptures referring to God, hear what their pastors are reading in the bible, hear their pastors prayers, and then they go home, never personally read the bible themselves, and actually never hear what God has to say to them in their own bible or through their own prayers. They think going through the pastor for scriptures and prayers is good enough.
Miss Claudette. In my opinion in today's society the people that go to church are not inclined to understand the meaning of going to church.Even though they go to church they very seldom read the bible. I am agreeing with you. Scott CT
DeleteI really enjoyed this teaching, Seth! I have always wondered what the meaning was of the phrases "dressed in readiness and keep your lamps alight." Your explanations were very thought provoking and helpful! It makes sense that the lamps would be us, as the servants of Christ, filled with the light of God. It would, therefore, also be true that the way to keep fresh oil to be burned by the fire of the Holy Spirit in our hearts would be to sit in His presence in silence and in prayer. "Be still; and know I am God." Thank you so much for your wonderful insights, Seth!--Love you, Aunt Sue
ReplyDeleteAunt Sue. Me too...I was never able to understand so clearly about the importance of having oil with the 10 vigins till I read Seth's message. I always thought, "what's the big deal with this oil?"
DeleteTHANK YOU SETH!!!!
Hi Seth. I agree with you. We have to spend more time with God.
ReplyDeleteThanks always for your encouragement of GOD's Word. I am reminded that my status as a child of GOD requires activity. Preparing myself for GOD's Kingdom means I have to keep filling up with the things of GOD. Praying - communicating with GOD, Reading the BIBLE-hearing from GOD, Discipleship- ministering to others. I pray today that I keep my "vessel" filled with the things of GOD. I want to be prepared when JESUS returns.
ReplyDeleteSophia, CT
Over the years I’ve read and have been studies on the 10 virgins and the oil in the lamps. I’ve heard that the virgins represent saved Christians and the oil equals the Holy Spirit. If that’s the case does that mean the five that had empty lamps cannot get into the wedding feast? The five that had their lamps full with oils couldn’t give to those that didn’t have any, isn’t that the same as salvation?
ReplyDeleteThe ten virgins are people who look similar and seem to have the same purpose of entering into the feast with the Bridegroom however, only half of them had actually taken their call from God seriously and worked and prepared themselves to be ready for the long wait for His coming. The others simply assumed that if they were all set and that they would be just fine without any preparation... This is where we see churches full of people who have a false confidence that because the people in the church around them are just fine with indulging in sin and acting like the world than they must be ok as they are and so they see no need to actually take God at His word which is to actively turn from their sin and pursue the hard course of walking away from the things that break God's rules. A tough road... and almost know one is willing to walk that way because ... to a sin indulging Christian, walking away from their sins looks like a real boring and empty life... so if they see that none of their friends seem to need to go that way, then why should they be bothered with going that way themselves, after all, God loves us the way we are... Here is where the reality sets in! The shout goes out and suddenly everyone realizes that God expected them to be holy! He was there to help them if they had desired holiness... but they had not desired it... Now suddenly everyone is scrambling about... what is holiness?... what is seeking the Lord?... how is a Christian supposed to live?... suddenly all their friends are no help... no one knows how to actually prepare themselves for Jesus! Sudden Reality! That is why we need to understand with clarity that God expects us to desire living for Him with all our heart no matter what our friends are doing or how "dull looking" the devil has worked, to make the joyful road of following Christ, look! God expects us to chose the road that honors Him and He is glad to help us get there, but we can't be lazy or think that how we live really doesn't matter. If we think that then we will not be ready when He returns even though we are surrounded by multitudes who all look like they were fine Christians...
DeleteSeth.
DeleteI used to be like the churchgoers you described above. I'd go to church, hear from the pastor how God wanted me to live, but didn't follow through because I thought everyone else in the church wasn't. I believe, only after Jesus moved into my heart, through a deeply sincere invitation on my part, did I start abiding in what God said. Now, I do not practice following people in church who do not do what God says. I still may go to that same church, but I choose to obey my God.. P.S Maybe that is why Larry brought being saved into his comment. Claudette CT
Larry. I love the way you got me thinking. Are you saying you think having the oil has to do with being saved? If so, see my comment to Seth about me being a churchgoer.
DeleteI believe that this is very interesting. I grew up in the church but have recently strayed away as an adult.i think people fear the unknown and due to this are unsure of the path to take cheryll Ct
DeleteHi Sophia. I love your comment. Very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThis whole thing has me wondering.the bible says to study and show yourself approved.We are always to prepare, do good.In everything we are to do it unto the lord....everything....keeping our hearts and mind in Christ.,so our light will shine.To study,read and constant prayer gives us an annointing to minister to others and at times to ourselves.Commuion with Jesus.When I go to a wedding,I prepare.Itake time to find the most meaningful gift I can give.I take time to find something appropiate to wear.In honoring the occasion I certainly wouldn't wear shorts and flip flops .I begin to praise God for this union,and pray for this couple,and rejoice,in other words I prepare
ReplyDeleteHow much more we are to prepare in readiness for the lord, and even as we attend church on sundays........Preparation... readiness...expectancy in the Lord...God Bless. Sandy CT
The ten virgins is a parable directed to Christians or believers. God is asking what king of a believer are you? Do you just go to church and sit there or do you really go to worship the Lord with all your heart and mind. Are you anointed with the Holy Spirit or do you just go home and do the same things that those that don’t know God do with their life. The only way you can have oil in your lamp is your personal relationship with God at home along (through prayer and the study of His word). Do not deny God in front of your friends and coworker or where ever you are. Jesus should be the first thing in your life. Start you day with Him and end your day with Him. Don’t just cry out in times of need, rejoices with Him in the good time giving Him praises for the good He is doing with you. I can go on and on writing about what this parable is about. This is just to start getting you to think and analyzing what is Jesus telling you.The parable is very profound in its meaning and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
ReplyDeleteHI Sandysfriend. You say the only way you can have oil in your lamp is through a personal relationship with God. Then are you agreeing with Larry about how the virginswith the oil may be the saved ones?
DeleteI BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE HAS A DIFFERENT ANSWER TO THIS TOPIC DEPENDING ON THEIR LEVEL OF CLOSENESS AND COMMITMENT IN RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD SO ALWAYS STRIVING TO STAY CLOSE TO GOD. TOM - CT
ReplyDeleteFirst oil in the lamps represent the Holy Spirit, the 10 virgins could be that 5 are saved Christian and 5 say the right thing but are not saved just pretending but don’t realize it.
ReplyDeleteIn Hebrews 6: 4-7 It’s impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the goodness of the word of God and powers of the coming age. If they fall away to be brought back to repentance because to their loss they are crucifying the son of God all over again subjecting him to public disgrace.
Could these versus be talking about the 5 that had no oil in their lamps when the groom came and couldn’t enter the wedding feast.
I the book of matthew 25:1-13 explains what happen to the ten virgins five where wise and five where foolish and that explains hat it means who is obedient and who is not obienent. Its who is serious ornot series with the Lord and the Holy Spirit is our guide so we need to be ready to listen. I agree having a close relationship with Christ just like Jesus had a relationship with His Father. In verse 13 it says Watch therefore, for you know neither the day or the hour in whichthe Son of Man is coming.
ReplyDeleteCarmella CT
I agree with Seth about enlightening us ,as to the oil in the lamps. It is a good reminder that our Lord is always there. If we forget and go on as if the Lord only sees you on sundays, then how can we truly say the Lord is always with us. I am happy when I see people who walk in ways of our Lord. Lisa CT
ReplyDeleteTo Everyone: love the responses!! I wanted to add something, The story of the virgins is spoken by JESUS himself. (red words in BIBLE) During the times JESUS walked on this earth, HIS purpose then and today the same, to prove to man, the Israelites in old, the Jews, the Greeks, Christians then, Believers today that HE is the SON of GOD. In those times The Sadducees, the Pharisees and others e.g. No one wanted to believe JESUS. So many did not, others chose not to understand HIM. He came here to help us rebuild our relationship with GOD, YAHWEH, the ALMIGHTY. JESUS was and is that bond between us and GOD. He had to find ways to help us understand His purpose. This Bible reference is a parable. JESUS used everyday occurrences to help people to understand. In the same ways the 5 wise virgins would be prepared to be chosen of by the bridegroom, in the same way JESUS wants us to be prepared for GOD's kingdom. Be sold out to HIM, Be prepared for HIM.Don't wait until it's too late. Accept HIM now, HE is the son of GOD. HE loves when we give to GOD all our attention and this is done only through JESUS.
ReplyDeleteGOD's Blessings. Sophia.
Sophia.....it helps to understand the customs of the time Jesus lived.Can you explain what you said about Jesus chosing the virgins?
DeleteDear SandyLovesGod -The point of the lesson. Preparation. JESUS says Matthew 25:1-13. "The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins....." Seth is encouraging us to be prepared at all times. Preparedness is an individual activity. I should not rely on someone else's preparedness. In reference to the parable. Yes, it is important to understand the customs then. JESUS uses parables in HIS ministries so that people could simply understand what HE was talking about. Remember not everyone wanted to hear from, not everyone wanted to listen to "this man". Like us today, people were probably saying among themselves ..what is HE talking about!? The Kingdom of GOD!? And first and foremost they didn't even want to think this man was the son of GOD. That's what the Bible says. JESUS is the son of GOD. There is also the parable of the sower; the parable of the wandering sheep; the parable of the two sons; the wedding banquet; In those times JESUS used these to help people then and now to understand HIS purpose on earth. JESUS is helping us to understand that to be prepared for GOD's Kingdom requires an individual preparation. Don't we all prepare for winter? No one knows exactly how much snow will come, how long this will last but we prepare for this season. We make sure we have oil for heat, sand melt for driveways, good tires and lots of other provisions. I would be in the category of the "foolish virgins" should I not prepare myself for the winter. My understanding is "I can chose to be one of the wise ones or one of the foolish. Prepare oneself for CHRIST return. At the trumpet shout there will be no time for preparing. Like Seth encourages us ....be adorned in readiness, keep your lamps alight. JESUS continues in the same chapter Matthew 25:13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" I hope this helps to clarify my understanding of the lesson:)
DeleteGOD's Blessings,
Sophia, CT
Yes a personal relationship with the Lord is the most important thing in a person life if you want to get in to heaven. I believe that the answers to this topic can be different for everybody like Tom said, but he did summarize it very well with “always striving to stay close to God”.
ReplyDeleteI do not thing that Hebrews 6:4-7 can be used to describe the 5 foolish virgins, because they never left the Lord they had their time of great blessing and joy in the Lord. But somewhere along the way they got tired of praying and reading the Bible. So yes they went to church and some time they my even pray especially if they need something. They have not forgotten that God is real they’re just tire of waiting for He to come. That is way they got laze and did not have extra oil for the lamp. So yes they can be sitting next to you in church but that energy that they had is no longer there. At a simple view you can’t tell the different between a real believer and the one that is just there, only God and the person know that. It is not up to us to find out who is or who is not. All we need to do is make sure that there is extra oil for our lamp when the time comes.
I A GREE WITH TOM. EVERYONE ONE HAS A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD,AFTER BEING SAVED.HOW CLOSE THAT RELATIONSHIP IS DEPENDS ON THEIR WILLINGNESS OF HEART TO PREPARE IN STUDY,PRAYER AND WORSHIP. ARE THEY WILLING TO DO THE THINGS OFGOD. WHAT GOD CAN SPEAK TO CLAUDETTE, LARRY ETC WILL BE DIFFERENT THAN WHAT THE LORD WOULD SHOW AND SPEAK TO ME. IT IS PERSONAL .
DeleteI agree that it is up to us to make sure that we keep our oil full because when Jesus comes we need to be ready for the bridegroom. Going to church is keeping our eyes on the Lord and letting Him have His way with us thats what it means to haveing a personal realationship with the Lord. That why in Matthew 25 1:13 explains about the ten virgins five were wise and five were foolish. Carmella CT
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ReplyDeleteThank you Seth for telling us, through Jesus' words, how we should be ready and be preparing NOW for Jesus when He returns (OR, before then, if He should take us,let's say tomorrow ) AND that we should not wait till it is too late, like the 5 virigns without oil did. Thank you for reminding us that we should not assume that God is going to accept us in His holy presense, without ourselves being holy.
P.S. I surely don't want to be one of those people, "when the reality" sets in (like you said above)..."Here is where the reality sets in! The shout goes out and suddenly everyone realizes that God expected them to be holy! He was there to help them if they had desired holiness... but they had not desired it... Now suddenly everyone is scrambling about... what is holiness?... what is seeking the Lord?... how is a Christian supposed to live?... suddenly all their friends are no help... no one knows how to actually prepare themselves for Jesus! Sudden Reality! "
Dear Seth, I am very encouraged and motivated by your studies, to search in myself to see if I am fulfilling the requirements of GOD. There is song I am thinking about "Search me o GOD and know my heart today, try me o Savior, know my thoughts I pray..." I have not turned on my home TV for a while now. I want the time that I used to dedicate watching the "View" to reading the BIBLE and praying more. For others preparation may mean to approach differently. I know that in order for me to know what to do, I do need to read GOD's WORD.
ReplyDeleteGOD's Blessings
Sophia, CT
Thank you Sophia for your comment I liked the way you said it and explained,it was like a parable for this day in time.
DeleteSandy loves God....CT......only Jesus can brighten your day.