The Well Trimmed Wick : Finishing Well and StrongSample

The year 2020 was a year of huge pause for the whole world as Covid19 brought our lives to a grinding halt. Many of us re-examined our lives and reset our priorities. I have felt God talk to me about focusing on His presence and throwing off everything that hinders my walk with Him. That led me to meditate on the well-known passage: the parable of the ten virgins. The teaching of the wise and foolish maids builds on the previous teaching of the wise and foolish servants. After this parable, Jesus gives them the parable about the talents which demonstrates how we are to be prepared and faithful. All three parables illustrate the need to live in a manner that expects the return of the Lord, even when the return is seemingly delayed. Therefore, the common thread in all three is an expectation from the owner or manager and the bridegroom. The question I ask myself is will I meet that expectation of faithfulness, multiplication, and abiding readiness? # The wedding Now, wedding festivities in those days typically lasted seven days and delays were not uncommon. It was customary for the wedding procession to be led by young maidens carrying oil lamps. Ten young virgins were selected for the task. They got to be close to the bridegroom as they led the procession. We have all been to weddings where there is some delay. In some cultures, the procession is led by dancers and musicians who announce the groom’s arrival much before you can see him. You can hear them from a distance and the bridal party knows it’s time to go to greet him as he will be there any minute. Let’s take a look at this parable and ask yourself "Where am I in this story?" The challenge to us is this: Will we finish strong, will we be ready and prepared, or just get in by the skin of our teeth? Jesus is talking about the end of all things in Matt. 25. The signs will be wars, pestilence, earthquakes, etc. and they are only a sign that we are closing in on the curtain call for all of creation. # We are in preparation season. There are three parables in this passage. All have a warning that if we behave like foolish persons, we will face the same fate. This is a real warning. ## REFLECT AND ASK YOURSELF At first glance, where do you see yourself in the story?