by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper
WITHOUT OIL
O NE OF t h e m ost interesting para bles our Lord gives us from the Olivet Discourse is that of the Ten Virgins. A parable has been described best as “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” The three para bles here typify three important as pects. This is true not only in the Christian life but also in the life of Israel as well. The parable of the evil servant deals with the story of man’s fellowship with man. Applying it to believers today, it reveals the manner in which we should treat others with in the church. As far as the Ten Virgins, its application to the Jews centers around those who may have a conformity to rites and rituals, and yet who are not dedicated to the true purpose of God in their hearts. Matthew 25 gives us this interest ing story. God’s relationship to His people is beautifully illustrated by the act of marriage — Jehovah being the Bridegroom of Israel and the Lord Jesus Christ being the Bridegroom of the Church. The pictures are given to us in the Old and the New Testament. Ephesians 5:25 and 26 gives this lovely latter relationship with such words, “Even as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it.” The former is illustrated in Isaiah 62:5 as well as other references. We want to ask an interesting ques tion about Jehovah’s marriage to Is rael as to who will attend. Matthew 25:1 and 2 tells us, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bride groom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.” The kingdom of heaven is spoken of by using vari ous similes. Each of these virgins has her own lamp. This reveals first of all that there is an individual responsi bility which emerges out of the para ble. The word “lamp” prefigures light. This, of course, is always used
in c o n tr a s t to darkness. P sa lm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” In reference to our Lord the reminder is, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). The ten people here appear to be the same, at least on the surface. They were all dressed in wedding gar ments and appeared to be brides. But the marked difference is characterized by the words “wise” and “foolish.” “Wise” has to do with being thought ful, considerate, planning ahead and making ample provisions. “Fool ish,” obviously, refers to the one who is thoughtless and stupid, making no provision for the present, let alone for the future. What “scatterbrains” they are with no efficiency whatsoever. In fact we get our English word “moron” from this word “foolish.” The actual difference is spelled out in verse 3, “They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them.” Although this parable is directed to Israel in the end times, it also is pertinent for us today in a spiritual sense. Therefore, we can ask the question, “To which group do I belong?” You may be religious, and look to the outward world as though you are La Mirada City councilman, Edward LeClair (right), visits Biola Campus. With him are Mr. Al Sanders (left) and Mr. Paul Schwepker.
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