Without a doubt, we are living in the midst of prophetic times. We watch in amazement as events foretold in the Bible unfold before us. These happenings serve as a reminder to us of the coming of our Messiah Bridegroom. In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins (an end-time parable), Jesus taught the importance of being ready for His coming. Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish thoughtless, without forethought; and five were wise sensible, intelligent and prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any [extra] oil with them; But the wise took flasks of oil along with them [also] with their lamps. While the bridegroom lingered and was slow in coming, they all began nodding their heads and feel asleep. But at midnight there was a shout, Behold, the bridegroom! Go out to meet him! Then all those virgins got up and put their own lamps in order. And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. But the wise replied, There will not be enough for us and for you; go instead to the dealers and buy for yourselves. But while they were gone away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were prepared went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came, and said, Lord, Lord, open [the door] to us! But He replied, I solemnly declare to you, I do not know you I am not acquainted with you. Watch therefore give strict attention and be cautious and active for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of man will come (Matt. 25: 1-13).
In this parable, Jesus refers to those who are properly prepared as wise virgins, and the unprepared as foolish virgins. According to the words of our Beloved Teacher, the distinguishing mark of wise virgins is their abundant supply of oil. In Proverbs 21:20 we read: "There are precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise..." In this proverb, King Solomon is clearly stating the following fact: oil is a treasure, and the wise possess it.
As I was meditating on this parable, I realized that while Jesus was indeed setting forth a spiritual truth concerning readiness for His coming, His teaching contains something even greater. I believe that encapsulated within this parable, Jesus is prophetically declaring that in the time of the end (although there will be foolish virgins), there will most assuredly be wise virgins. These virgins will possess an abundant, full supply of oil, for they will be those who are filled with God Himself. The Apostle Paul speaks of this fullness in his epistle to the Church in Ephesus: "...that you may be filled (through all your being) unto all the fullness of God [that is] may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself!" (Ephesians 3:19). Know this: The closer we get to the return of Christ, the greater will be the visible manifestation of God's fullness to and through the Church (His Bride).
OIL: Symbol of the Holy Spirit
The Bible frequently utilizes various symbols to help us fathom the diverse operations and ministries of the Holy Spirit; oil is one of those symbols often used. The Holy Spirit is the great gift of the New Covenant. Just prior to His death, Jesus revealed that after He ascended to heaven, He would be sending the Holy Spirit into the earth to take His Place. He would be to mankind a Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby (John 16). Jesus' death made it possible for the Spirit of God to come and inhabit our inner-most being. This makes us the dwelling place of God - His temple on the earth. As such, we have an incredibly rich supply of treasures residing within - treasures such as peace, enabling power, and the glory of the heavenly realm.
It is essential for us to comprehend the power and purpose of the indwelling Spirit of God if we desire to enjoy the fullness of His indwelling. The entire realm of Holy Spirit activity is central to our Christian life. It is imperative to know that everything with eternal significance can only be accomplished in our hearts and lives by the operations of the Spirit; He is the communicator of everything spiritual - the all-sufficient worker of all that must be wrought within the Believer. It is through His active and continual workings that we become living epistles of the supernatural life deposited in us through regeneration. Our spiritual growth is dependant upon the words, wooing, workings, and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. It is, and forever will be as the scripture states: "...Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of Whom the oil is a symbol], says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6).
A Glorious Bride
The Holy Spirit is intent on the Bride of Christ fulfilling her incredible role in the out-working of God's plans and purposes, both in this earth and also throughout eternity. Therefore, He is focused on changing us - bringing us to a place of mirroring the image of Christ. It is He Who is preparing, nurturing, training and fashioning the Bride. His finished product will be a holy, glorious Bride of magnificent splendor.
The Holy Spirit is walking with us through life as our Helper, Mentor, and Guide. He is in us to assist us on our journey toward completion. He is reliable, consistent, and trustworthy. He loves us far more than our human minds can comprehend. He will never leave us or let us down. Day by day, and step by step, the Holy Spirit is guiding us from faith to faith, strength to strength, and glory to glory. It is He Who is leading us to the matchless day that all of history is marching toward - the day that the Bride of Christ becomes the eternal counterpart of our Beloved Jesus. My highest aspiration for that day is to stand before the face of my Beloved glorious.
The Holy Spirit passionately longs to be our cherished friend, constant companion, and closest confidant. He is pulling on each of us to experience new and deeper dimensions of fellowship and communion with Him. Many believers fail to develop a special, intimate friendship with the Holy Spirit. Although they know about Him, they never come to a place of personally knowing Him through daily fellowship. How sad! Of all the treasures that we might possess in this earth, there is nothing more wonderful and precious than the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 4:30, we read: "His Holy Spirit moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted" (MSG).
My prayer for you as you walk with Him:
May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the (Holy) Spirit [Himself] - indwelling your innermost being and personality. (Ephesians 3:16)
Recommended Reading:
Wise and Foolish Virgins
Scripture References:
Matthew 25:1
Proverbs 21:20
John 16
Ephesians 3:16
Ephesians 4:30
Zechariah 4:6