The Well Trimmed Wick : Finishing Well and StrongMinta

As we reflect today, allow the Holy Spirit to examine your heart. # Who are the virgins? They represent all who claim to follow Christ. The question is, are we the wise or foolish ones? We have been betrothed to Him and now we are in a season of preparation. # A wedding has three stages: The betrothal, the preparation, and the wedding celebration. ## Betrothal Betrothal or engagement is a picture of our baptism if you like. You have been saved for a purpose: to restore you to your original design and intent that is found in Genesis 3. But, because of Adam’s sin, we lost it. Jesus came to restore, not just our relationship with the Father, but also to restore the reason for which we were created. These reasons were to have intimate fellowship with Him, one another, and to do the works to which He has called us. ## Preparation We have made a promise to be faithful to Jesus. Our life on earth is a preparation season. When Jesus returns or takes us home before that, the waiting will end and the wedding will take place. All 10 virgins had lamps – i.e., God’s Word. His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Lamps also symbolize our life and service to God. We are those earthen vessels in noble service. The function of the lamp is to be the container for the oil to give light. Light: We are called the light of the world. That is our mandate. We spread the Word which dispels darkness and brings the good news of salvation to all. They all had oil – which symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Empty lamps are useless. They cannot cast any light. They needed to be filled with the Holy Spirit to fulfil their purpose. We need His anointing and infilling. We can have no revelation or intimacy with the groom without the Holy Spirit. All 10 virgins started well being filled with the Spirit, passionate about being the light, etc. Realize that the Holy Spirit keeps us passionate for Christ, He keeps us pure and gives us deeper revelation as we seek to give light to others. But something happened to the five foolish ones. They neglected being filled with the Holy Spirit or having their lamps and flasks filled with oil. All 10 were all waiting for the Bridegroom. We are all waiting for Jesus’ return. # REFLECT AND ASK YOURSELF Which Virgin are you? Examine your heart. What do you do to keep your lamp filled with oil? How are you preparing yourself? Is your oil flask full?