Behold, The Bridegroom Is Coming! (Part1)

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Matthew 25:1.

The parable of the ten virgins has great lessons for our times. In it we find the great need our world has of Jesus.

Let us quickly look at the context in which Lord presented this parable.

Christ with His disciples is seated upon the Mount of Olives. The sun has set behind the mountains, and the heavens are curtained with the shades of evening. *

The Lord used life experiences, everyday occurrences, so that His disciples could understand important spiritual lessons. A wedding was taking place before them and as the guests awaited for the bridegroom arrival, Jesus took the opportunity to teach them something that we, as the remnant, must always keep in mind. Above all we are waiting for the return of the bridegroom to this word, the return of our Saviour.

Lingering near the bride's house are ten young women robed in white. Each carries a lighted lamp and a small flagon for oil. All are anxiously watching for the appearance of the bridegroom. But there is a delay. Hour after hour passes; the watchers become weary and fall asleep. At midnight the cry is heard, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." The sleepers, suddenly awaking, spring to their feet. They see the procession moving on, bright with torches and glad with music. They hear the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. The ten maidens seize their lamps and begin to trim them, in haste to go forth. But five have neglected to fill their flasks with oil. They did not anticipate so long a delay, and they have not prepared for the emergency. In distress they appeal to their wiser companions saying, "Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out." But the waiting five, with their freshly trimmed lamps, have emptied their flagons. They have no oil to spare, and they answer, "Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves." *

While they went to buy, the procession moved on, and left them behind. The five with lighted lamps joined the throng and entered the house with the bridal train, and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins reached the banqueting hall, they received an unexpected denial. The master of the feast declared, "I know you not." They were left standing without, in the empty street, in the blackness of the night. *

Let us consider the various components of this parable.

What Do They Represent?

• The Virgins
• They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith.
• The two classes who profess to be waiting for their Lord.
• The Lamps
• The word of God.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto may path. Psalm 119:105.

• The Oil
• A symbol of the Holy Spirit.
• The mission of the two anointed ones (the two olives in Zechariah 4) is to communicate to God's people that heavenly grace which alone can make His word a lamp to the feet and a light to the path.

Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6.

A Panoramic View – All 10 Virgins

• In the parable, all the ten virgins went out to meet the bridegroom.
• The ten virgins are watching in the evening of this earth's history.
• All had lamps and vessels for oil.
• All claim to be Christians.
• All profess to be doing God's service.
• For a time there was seen no difference between them.
• So with the church that lives just before Christ's second coming.
• All have heard the message of Christ's near approach, and confidently expect His appearing.
• All have a knowledge of the Scriptures.

Unfortunately, although, all ten had received the same message they did not all partake of the marriage supper.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:20, 21.

Let's us search each day for that transforming power that will enable us very soon to enjoy to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

JESUS IS COMING, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

* Christ’s Object Lessons, “To Meet The Bridegroom”, Ellen G. White.