Good morning,
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten young bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Now five of them were wise, and the other five were foolish. The foolish ones took their lamps but didn’t bring oil for them.But the wise ones took their lamps and also brought containers of oil. “When the groom was late in coming, they all became drowsy and went to sleep. But at midnight there was a cry, "Look, the groom! Come out to meet him." "Then all those bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. But the foolish bridesmaids said to the wise ones, "Give us some of your oil, because our lamps have gone out." “But the wise bridesmaids replied, "No, because if we share with you, there won’t be enough for our lamps and yours. We have a better idea. You go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves." But while they were gone to buy oil, the groom came. Those who were ready went with him into the wedding. Then the door was shut. “Later the other bridesmaids came and said, "Lord, lord, open the door for us." "But he replied, "I tell you the truth, I don’t know you." ( Mtt. 25:1-12) This verse was mentioned in a prophecy that we received at our Church. We will share the prophetic word soon, I have been meditating on the part where the Lord said, that they all went to sleep. The ones that were wise and prepared went to sleep as well as the foolish ones. Remember we talked about this on one occasion. Wise means intelligent, thoughtful, prudent, and mindful of one's interests. We can be wise and still become sleepy. The word used here is slumber which means to nod into sleep; to be overcome or oppressed with sleep; to be negligent or careless of a thing, to linger or delay. I believe this applies to most of us in one area or another concerning the things of God. Quite often, we start off in the beginning on fire and if we're not careful we end up doing things without any zeal. Don't get me wrong, we learn and adapt by repetition, but not merely mechanical repetitions. We must have zeal which is enthusiastic diligence, fervor, and an eager desire in our repetitions. Also the word sleep, means to take the rest afforded by a suspension of voluntary bodily functions; to cease being awake. But it also means to yield to sloth and sin to be indifferent; to be dormant, inactive, to be careless or unalert. This is what happens to us when we are not daily waiting at the post of our God. We can end up being indifferent, careless and slothful, not as alert to the Kingdom and to hearing and obeying the voice and Word of God as we were. We must wake up, shake ourselves often, and stay prepared and get more than just enough from God, His Word, His presence, and from the fellowship you attend. Don't think that because you once was a bright light that you will just always be. Light needs oil to keep it burning, or some force to keep it shining. Which means the person tending to the light must be attentive to it. "Blessed [is] the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors." (Pro. 8:34) "Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall." (1 Corin. 10:12)
So, we must keep awake and stay alert to righteousness and not become careless because of the cares of this life. We do that by making sure we awaken ourselves to God's plan for our day. Romans 13:11 {NIV}; "And do this, understanding the present time; the hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." We are in the last leg of the race, yeah! It is time for our Lord, our groom to come. So, listen to the prophetic Word in Solomon; "[He said] I charge you, O you daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the hinds of the field [which are free to follow their own instincts] that you not try to stir up or awaken [my] love until it pleases [Vividly she pictured it]. The voice of my beloved [shepherd]! Behold, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young hart. Behold, he stands behind the wall of our house, he looks in through the windows, he glances through the lattice. My beloved speaks and says to me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away." (Song of Sol. 2:6-10) Awake carries the thought of opening the eyes and function; it means to arouse from slumber, to become aware, to arouse to action. Rise means to stand, to become powerful; to be valid, to accomplish, to perform and be proven. It's time for those who are wise and thoughtful to be aware of the time that we are in and to function with the ability of God, and accomplish and perform our calling. It pleases the Lord for us to awaken and arise so that we may be ready to come away with Him. Stay alert!
Love,
Pastor D.
Daughters of Z 