Hello! I hope you find this post uplifting. The passage I will be sharing is rich in passion and desire. I pray the little I’ve gleaned will bless and ignite your heart for the deeper things of God.
Before I begin it’s good to remind ourselves about the revelation of Scripture. For example, remember the story of some of the disciples leaving Jesus because he talked about eating his flesh and drinking his blood? Jesus eventually tells them his words are spirit and life. (John Chapter 6)
And you may recall in Matthew Chapter 22, the Sadducees asked Jesus some questions about marriage and the resurrection. In the course of the discussion “Jesus replied, ‘You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”’ (Matthew 22:29 NIV)
The Sadducees were talking about physical death. Jesus leapfrogged the discussion to include resurrection from spiritual death i.e., sin. Jesus not only referred to the resurrection of those who physically die but, more importantly, to the resurrection from sin to walk in newness of life (Romans Chapters 6 through 8).
A Love Story
The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 25:1-13, Parable of the Ten Virgins, is a banquet of revelation and truth. The parable is preceded by warnings and followed by gifts. Itself is a mixture of warnings and rewards.
The parable is wrapped in loving terms, a bridegroom coming for his bride. He is captivated by her beauty, desires union, and her to be one with him.
She being betrothed to him, is torn between two worlds. She is easily distracted by the cares of this life and, unbeknownst to her, struggles with receiving his grace and love. She sees herself through a glass darkly, brokenness and wounds mar her identity and destiny.
She has a head knowledge of him but, under the right circumstances, would be found wanting in many areas of her heart for confidence and trust. She sees herself through the eyes of others who, intentionally or unintentionally, have spoken areas of darkness over her.
Her heart yearns to soar in the spiritual things of God yet, but, in many ways, is earthbound in works. She is desperate to be held in his arms and kissed by him. And yet, she cannot transcend the darkness around her and falls asleep.
How can a story become more compelling? Can you identify with her journey? I certainly do.
Can a virgin be transformed into a bride?
Moves of God
Today, many are wondering when and in what form the next major revival will come. Many ask, “When will I be held and kissed by the spirit of God?” When will Jesus take me out into a spacious place that I might experience his delight for me? (Psalm 18:19)
Be assured, you cannot look to events in the world for wisdom in this matter. The world is not the focus in Scripture. Keep your eyes on Jesus and what he is doing in his church.
Let’s take another look at the Parable of the Ten Virgins to see if Scripture gives any hint on the matter of revival.
(A common interpretation of this parable is the setting at the end of the church age and the second coming of Jesus Christ. But please be mindful, the Scriptures are for all Christians in all church ages throughout the New Testament period. Every Christian is to take heed to the words of Christ in every generation.)
Generations
We are told in this parable Jesus is not immediately present. Like the situation with Lazarus, Jesus is well aware of our condition, but is waiting for the opportune time to “come” for you and me.
Jesus has been ministering to the church for almost 2000 years! Most assuredly his journey includes every generation, every church age and every Christian.
Each generation has “criers” calling to the “virgins” to come out and meet the bridegroom. Every generation has an opportunity for the transforming power of Jesus Christ at some level and in some manner to be made into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ, to become his bride.
The question before us, is, “what is the measure of Christ being made available now to 21st century Christians?” And are you partaking of the measure of his banqueting table available to you?
The Criers, Matthew 25:6
It is interesting the Greek word (family) for cry (NIV) in Matthew 25:6 is used for cries (NIV) in Hebrews 5:7, concerning Christ’s cries to his Father. It is also used in Luke 1:42, Elizabeth’s proclamation over Mary. The word means an outcry, clamor. It is packed with emotion. See Greek Strong’s Number 2906. (1)
In these three instances the word is used in referenced to something being birthed. For example, in reference to Christ (Hebrews 5:7–10), it refers to the deep utterances to his heavenly Father in learning obedience to his will.
And I profess the deep cry uttered forth in Matthew 25:6 proclaims not only the coming of the bridegroom but the testimony of the work of Jesus Christ in them. One can only proclaim Christ to the extent of the “proclamation’s work” done by Christ in one’s life.
The Call to a Deeper Experience in Christ
Does the Parable of the Ten Virgins depict a deep work by the spirit of God? I think it does, let me show you.
In the literal Greek, Matthew 25:10 says, (in reference to the previously mentioned five wise virgins) “And [as] they were going away to buy, came the bridegroom, and the ones prepared entered with him into the wedding celebration and was shut the door.” (2)
The same Greek word family for “prepared” in Matthew 25:10 (translated “ready” in the NIV) is used in Revelation 19:7.
And the words “entered with him” have the sense of Jesus not entering the celebration alone, but with a companion, who’s life and living reflects him. A companion in suffering, a companion in heart and life.
There is indeed a stark contrast between a virgin with a lamp and container of oil and one who has been prepared and entered into the sufferings of Christ.
I believe one of the truths in Matthew 25:10 is this: the five wise virgins experience the transforming power of Jesus Christ to change them from virgins to brides. They enter the wedding celebration not as guests, not as virgins, but likely his bride. I believe that is the offer Christ is extending here. He’s leaving the door open for those who want everything he has to offer.
As it says in Ephesians 4:13, “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (NIV)
First Corinthians 15:49 says, “And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.” (NIV)
Further (Matthew 25:6), the “coming” unto us is not unto condemnation, but unto salvation – to take us higher and deeper in him. He comes to bring light and life and to fulfill the Father’s mandate toward us. He does not leave us as we are, but to set our house in order. (1 Corinthians 4:5)
Please note: I was taught virgins are not the bride. But I wonder if Jesus might say in this instance, “you know not the Scriptures nor the power of God”. Jesus could’ve simply used the term “bride” instead of “ones prepared” or “marriage” instead of “wedding celebration” in Matthew 25:10. But where would the adventure and revelation be in unfolding the Scriptures? And what about the endless questions Jesus would’ve been asked if he had used the term bride or marriage? Lord, you said there were five virgins but now they are brides – how can that be?
What Jesus May Be Really Trying to Tell Us
I believe there is depth and vastness yet to be revealed to the body of Christ. A message of hope and future!
Now is the time for the foolish virgins to go to the those selling oil and buy for themselves, to prepare for the next phase in their journey. It’s time to use the long-suffering of Christ to fill your container with oil! And to prepare yourself to respond to his coming to take you higher and deeper in him, to change you, to truly make you a new creation. It’s not too late to become “wise.” There is yet time and hope.
Now is also the time for the wise virgins to heed the call of God to go deeper and be transformed from virgins to brides. Jesus is making himself available in great measure today. You do not want to miss the offer of his delight and his love. Ask him to come, personally to you, and “choose you” for union with him.
If I may be so bold, I think Jesus would say to the five wise virgins, “see the lamp you’re holding and the oil you’re so concerned about running out, I have something better for you, Me. As my life and being is in the Father, so I desire to accomplish in you.”
With your permission, I will take you unto myself, and transform the deep wounded and broken places in your life into wells of living water from which light and life will flow to you and others. You will never need to worry about running out of oil because my oil is limitless. You will no longer need to carry a lamp, you will be the lamp!
As the criers “cry” to the virgins to come forth, come out, forsake all, and arise to meet the Lord, Jesus will prepare them to meet him face to face. To know and to be known. This is our sacred quest.
And what becomes of the “five foolish virgins” who miss being chosen. Well, just as Jesus goes after the one lost sheep, he will not forsake them. Whoever they are and whatever condition of their heart, Jesus has another option. Maybe, if the hour is as late for the church as some say it is, and they miss the deeper things of God, will they be like those in Revelation 3:18, counseled to “buy” gold refined in the fire? Let’s all run the race set before us so none be left behind.
Suddenly
You and I do not want to be caught suddenly unprepared as the five foolish virgins. You do not want to be in the position where you are not prepared to go deeper in him.
Jesus is inviting, yea, compelling the church to draw close to him and to avail themselves of everything he is making available today. There are scores of ministries available helping to prepare the bride of Christ for Christ.
Christ is personally ministering and preparing his church for his wedding banquet. Who can tally the unimaginable riches Christ has yet to reveal to you and me?
Blessings to you!
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.Zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblical, Inc.™
(1) James Strong, S.T.D., LL.D., Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Hebrew, Chaldee and Greek Dictionaries, Riverside Book and Bible House, Iowa Falls, Iowa
(2) The New Greek – English Interlinear New Testament by Translators Robert K. Brown and Philip W. Comfort, Editor: J. D. Douglas. Copyright © 1990. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.
