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Choose wisdom or folly is the theme for our reflection. Wisdom is the ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. Folly, on the other hand, means a lack of good sense or normal prudence and foresight. Jesus uses the parable of the ten virgins to describe our attitudes and preparedness towards the coming of the Kingdom of God and warns us to be wise and “…keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (Matthew 25:13)

Beloved in the Lord, we are admonished to be like the five wise virgins who “took oil in jars along with their lamps. (Matthew 25:4), in preparedness for any unforeseen delay, which may require them to go look for extra oil. It is important to acknowledge the fact that all the ten virgins had the same assignment and did not know that the bridegroom will delay in coming. They all had the same information and opportunity to be part of the wedding banquet. However, five of the virgins were wise and discerning, but five were unwise in their preparation. The lamp gives light in the darkness and every lamp needs oil to keep the light illuminated. Such is the life of a believer, Jesus teaches us that “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) The ten virgins represent we believers in the Church who are required to keep our lamps illuminated so that we shall continue to be light in the world of darkness as we await Jesus the bridegroom. The oil in the lamp is what keeps the light shining without going out. The oil is the power of the Gospel or the Word of God. it is for this reason the Psalmist passionately wrote that “Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.” (Psalms 119:105). In other words, without the Word of God in our lives, our lamps shall go off, and our light will not be seen. The act of developing love for the Word of God and studying it every day is likened to what the five virgins did when they “took oil in jars along with their lamps.” (Matthew 25:4). Dear friend, the Word of God keeps us prepared every day for the coming of Kingdom of God. It is for this reason, Paul admonished Timothy to remain prepared, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15). Unfortunately, most Christians in our generation have little or no time for the study of the Word of God. During our midweek Bible study meetings, our chapels are virtually empty. Again, most Christians hardly prioritize the study of the Word of God at home. We seem to be busy doing everything except preparing ourselves for the Kingdom of God or the Everlasting life. Most Christians have become Sunday worshippers who have left Bible study to a few people in the Church. Dear friend, what kind of virgin or believer are you? Will you choose wisdom or folly? The decision is yours to make today.

Beloved in the Lord, believers who do not consistently study the Word of God are like lamps that eventually become dim and go off because they are empty of oil. This was the fate of the five foolish virgins. “The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.” …“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:3,10-13). Beloved in the Lord, let us be wise and remain prepared through the study of the Word of God to keep our light shining even as we await the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, ignite in us the passion and love for the Word of God. Let the Word of God provide oil and light in our lives so that our Lord and Master Jesus will find us prepared for His Kingdom when He comes. Amen.