Fill The Lamp

"When we see the day approaching, we must address ourselves to our dying work with all seriousness, renewing our repentance for sin, our consent to the covenant, our farewells to the world; and our souls must be carried out toward God in suitable breathings. [2.] In the foolish virgins, it denotes a vain confidence, and conceit of the goodness of their state, and their readiness for another world. Note, Even counterfeit graces will serve a man to make a show of when he comes to die, as well as they have done all his life long; the hypocrite’s hopes blaze when they are just expiring, like a lightening before death”.

Matthew Henry

But the unspiritual man simply cannot accept the matters which the Spirit deals with—they just don’t make sense to him, for, after all, you must be spiritual to see spiritual things. The spiritual man, on the other hand, has an insight into the meaning of everything, though his insight may baffle the man of the world. This is because the former is sharing in God’s wisdom, and ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?’ Incredible as it may sound, we who are spiritual have the very thoughts of Christ!

The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence];  

But arrogant  fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline!

When you hear the word “Alert” what is your first response? Danger maybe, a possible threat, but at the very least a problem could be coming on the horizon. I’m convinced, that the age and time frame which we live in is totally misunderstood.  The Bible teaches that.

“Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air]”.  James 4:14. 

The 10 Virgins parable like most of the others, Jesus tells it to His disciples privately.  Mat 24:3. This is private instruction, for those who follow Jesus or who think they are followers.  Now keep in mind that Judas was among the 12 who heard this parable, and he was not a true believer.  This parable instructs us to be READY when HE returns.

Hanging out with people is a risky behavior, especially when we’re following the wrong people.  There is a saying “that you become like who you hang out with”.  Hang with Jesus, you become like Him.  Hang with the World you become like the World!  Unfortunately, it isn’t about the right people or the wrong people that you hang with.  It’s about Crucifying Self and Worshiping the Most High Lord and Saviour King Jesus!

The Bible tells us that on the day Jesus Christ was Crucified, at Calvary, there were 2 thieves hanging with Him, one on each side.  What this picture shows us is that there are two types of people in life.  The Foolish and the Wise!  They both knew of Jesus and about Him.  The Foolish thief mocked Jesus, but the Wise thief humbled himself and surrendered to Jesus as Lord.  One Lamp full of Oil and one lamp empty.       

Lamps back in the day, with Jesus was an important item to have.  Lack of OIL implies negligence on the bearer’s part.  It’s up to the bearer to make the decision as to when to fill the lamps.   Navigating in the Dark is dangerous and you could loose your Life!

Most Weddings are very exciting wouldn’t you agree?  The anticipation along with all the arrangements and preparations   After all, these events mark one of, if not the most important, moment of our lives as we  Vow to commit all that is within us to the one we are devoted to  as the “Relationship”  begins.  

There is one  wedding that all mankind has been created to take part in .   The  Critical Must is, that all “LAMPS” are to be filled with OIL !! 

When you’re eye is clear (focused on God) your whole body also is full of light .  But when it is bad (spiritually blind) your body is full of darkness (devoid of God’s word).  LK 11:34


Neil C Parks