Readiness is when your desire is stronger than your distraction.
- Skip Prichard
Psalms in the Night…
With so many wonderful Biblical promises and powerful examples of God's interaction with mankind, see Psalms of Delight, Psalms in the Night are a way of exploring and sharing some of the difficult and challenging thoughts, feelings and experiences God's people encounter while endeavoring to fully enjoy His presence and power, protection and provision. In ever more genuine and meaningful ways. For themselves and their children, family and friends.
Psalms in the Night are written in concert with Psalms of Delight. Both series contain Modern Psalms meant to comfort and inspire those seeking the Omni-God revealed in Scripture.
Burning Lamps Summary
Succumbing to the tyranny of the urgent is common. Spiritually even more so. It’s easy to neglect what’s not clamoring for attention. Who want’s to stress out today over what can wait till a more convent time? For that matter, when it comes to the subjectivity of faith, who’s to say what’s important? Something, even if not everything, is better than nothing. Can doing good ever be a bad thing?
Apparently. If it’s not good enough.
The most frightening passage in all of Scripture demonstrates this very principle. In His terrible parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus warns that as many as half the genuinely saved and sanctified may forever perish for simply the lack of extra oil:
- “God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep. “In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bride-groom’s here! Go out and greet him!’ “The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’ “They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’ “They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked. “Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.” “He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’ “So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.” Matthew 25:1-12 The Message
In regards to the failing lamps, Strongs’ Greek concordance renders the phrase (λαμπάδες ἡμῶν σβέννυνται) translated lamps are “gone” or “going” out, suggesting the five foolish had run out of oil as they slept, or upon waking their lamps were flickering. Jesus warns that in this heartbreaking case, good wasn’t good enough to merit eternal life.
The need to buy extra oil in this passage is eerily reminiscent of a glorified Jesus’ warning against the all to common condition of spiritual lukewarmness. Consider again Christ rebuke of lukewarm Laodicea, the last of Revelation’s seven churches, of whom Churchianity seems a modern refection:
- “Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see. The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!” Revelation 3:18-19 The Message - Emphasis QC’s
Both passages are meaningful for all, throughout every circumstance of life. Even so, Laodicea’s placement as the seventh or last church is noteworthy. It’s reasonable to assume this is a fitting description of many believers in the last church age, just prior to and/or during the rest of the Book of Revelation’s Great Tribulation period. The same might be said for the parable of the Ten Virgins, given its placement in Christ’s Olivet Discourse of end time events.
In any case, since Jesus warns the lack of oil is a deal breaker, even among “virgins” with otherwise identical track records, understanding its symbolism and manner of procurement is vital. Oil is often used in Scripture, both literally and figuratively. From the anointing of priests and kings, to the fellowship and power of the Spirit.
Given the dialogue between the foolish virgins and their wiser counterparts, it may be a resource better purchased than shared. Some have even speculated the refusal by the wise to give of their own, lest they themselves not have enough, suggests Christ may be referencing scarce commodities during a prolonged period of hardship. Perhaps in keeping with Revelation’s account of Jesus breaking the first four of seven seals, and thus unleashing the infamous Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
While somewhat of a mystery, what is obvious is the need for extra oil. Over and above what may have seemed perviously sufficient. Just one more example of how costly, rather than cheep grace, wins the day.
It’s self evident that both the foolish virgins and Laodicea were invested in the Kingdom of God. But like so many, only up to a point. Likewise Christians often fail to appreciate the subtle, and not so subtle, spiritual demands of the times in which we live. Modern Christianity is filled with believers from every walk of life. Many give of their time, energy and money. Yet, taken as a whole, we’ve largely opted for the ease of peace and comfort over and against the more strenuous demands of Biblical health and vitality. Assuring ourselves that all is well, we continue doing whatever we feel like. Regardless of the spiritual risk. Yet according to Scripture, all is far from well. Spiritual and characterological apathy and anemia, all but endemic in modern Christianity, are telltale signs of worsening spiritual abnormality and disease.
Burning Lamps
Modern Psalm in the Night 9
Dear God, I'd like permission to speak freely again. I ask because You’re the great I AM and I am nothing…great. I ask out of the genuine fear and awe I have of You. I ask seeing You direct us to come boldly before You through Christ:
- " Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help." Hebrews 4:14-16 MSG
Probably.
Anyway, here's what's on my mind (admittedly not an impressive organ). As You know I've been mulling over the situation and I think I've found a solution to our problems. By our, I mean mine. I mean my family's. I mean everyone elses. And I mean You. The mind blowing, awe-full Tri-Omni God of the Multiverse. El-Elyon na Adoni, Yeshua Hamashia and the Ruach Elohim. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
By problems, I mean the mess Heaven started and Earth is in. I mean the angelic rebellion of billions of glorious, ancient and mighty beings ongoing for eons. I mean the fall of a hundred billion humans. I mean all of us sinners in the hand of an angry God. Yep, I mean us. Sinners and what passes for saints these days. The redeemed, sanctified and awaiting rapture. The church, ekklesia - εκκλησία. The born again, Spirit filled, bride of Christ.
Maybe not the "spotless bride" You promised Christ, but the rest of us. Today we just presume it's everyone who believes. We're told all believers are positionally spotless before You because of the blood of Christ's costly atonement. Concern over conditional righteousness regarding our behavior is considered a puritanical of the relic past. Sadly this misinterprets much of what Your word has to say on the subject of true and lasting salvation.
Honest, in depth Bible study is not for the simpleminded or faint of heart. Modern Christianity prefers quoting Scripture’s promises with little or no care for their corresponding conditions. Rather than take the time and effort to carefully integrate Scripture as a whole, Churchianity either ignores the conditions all together or interprets them by presuming we automatically possess the Bible’s promises rather than interpreting the promises of Scripture through it’s clearly mitigating conditions and warnings. We love the milk but pass on the meat. We fellowship and sing like we’ve surrendered all, yet in real life are all but prayerless and Biblically illiterate. We avoid problematic passages like the Parable of the Ten Virgins from the lips of our Savior Jesus Himself.
Given it’s radical implication, this passage may be as important as any throughout Scripture. If this terrible parable is mathematically accurate, and many indicators suggest it is, half the saved Church is in jeopardy. I say “saved Church” because of how You describe them. First of all You call them "virgins." Nowhere in the Bible do You ever call sinners "virgins" though many passages condemn Your people, even Christians, as "adulterers." Secondly, all ten virgins had oil burning lamps, which would seem to indicate a testimony for Christ. Thirdly, all ten virgins with burning lamps go out to meet the Bridegroom. Clearly this describes people of faith who believe in both the Bridegroom and His imminent return. If being pure and having a witness for Christ, sanctification and anticipating His return doesn't describe true Christians than what does?
Apparently having enough oil. Whatever the oil is, it would appear to be the difference between being ready for the marriage feast or missing it. The difference between enjoying heavenly rewards and bliss or eternally weeping and gnashing resurrected teeth.
So ready for my solution to this horrifying spiritual impasse? Simple. We need more oil.
Since I'm speaking freely, I have to say that given the make it or break it role “oil” apparently plays in the eternal security of the redeemed, I'm disappointed You're not clearer on just Who or what the oil is. Seems the best we can do is search the Scriptures and make an educated guess. Many believe oil is typology for the Holy Spirit. Others have come up with different ideas yet they pretty much boil down to being filled with Your presence, demonstrated through Divine power, provision and protection.
Also, if You don’t mind my asking, how is it You don’t know the five foolish? By definition Omnity know’s everyone, every hair on our heads. Our entire lives are an open book before we’re born. Certainly You must know all Your kingdom’s children. How much more those who are pure as virgins in world wrapped in Me-ism and immorality, bearing their testimony as lamps burning with the oil of the Holy Spirit as humanity is plunged into darkening temptation and deception, as forsaking the world and its wisdom they dedicate themselves to meeting their Beloved?
Billions avoid passages of Jesus judging His church. These prefer to assumed this story is directed against unbelievers and sinners. Yet this does violence to the parable’s principal elements. Also, it seems those espousing various forms of misleading gospels are often the first to allay all concern. Next are those closer to embracing the true Christ, yet continually overlook half or more of the gospel’s most important aspects.
Clearly the major takeaway is that everyone could use more of You. For five out of ten of Your people it's a deal breaker. It’s just inconceivable to imagine half Your own people really at risk. That fifty percent of those who love You enough to be pure and share their light, to live sanctified and anticipating Your return might be lost. Please don't let them perish for lack of oil. Particularly if the "them" be "us" and I or those I love turn out to be among the foolish!
Please grant us the wisdom to see our need, including grasping the importance of Peter’s crucial additions to faith that we might make our “calling and election sure.” Please give us the gift of pre-revival repentance, heeding Scripture’s prophetic advice and sowing the seeds for a new Pentecost leading to global reformation. Please remember and answer the prayer of the great apostle Paul, that we might be “filled with all the fullness of God.” Transform us by Your Spirit to such a degree that we live rightly, even when Your coming seems delayed.
I offer this psalm as another in a long litany pf prayers. The variation on the same prayer I've prayed for decades. I don't know whether prayer's the oil or just the first step in buying some, but it seems a wise place to start.
Author's Note:
The Bible reinforces the need for perseverance by the saints, particularly as required by a Mid-Tribulation Rapture, in a variety of ways. Including Christ’s use of the terrible Parable of the Ten Virgins in the second half of His Olivet Discourse. In what may be the most frightening passage in all of Scripture, Jesus warns that as many as half of what appears to be the redeemed Church, may not make the final cut. Forever perishing. Not on the account of any egregious or even subtle sins of commission, but rather for simply the lack of preparation. Namely, recognizing the crucial need of procuring extra oil:
- “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “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 25:1-12 New International Version
This problematic passage is rarely accurately taught for a variety of reason. Including the following:
- All ten are Virgins. Never once does the Bible identify a sinner as a virgin, although sadly Scripture often refers to God’s people as adulterers. Even in the New Testament.
- All ten Believe in the Bridegroom, Jesus.
- All ten have Oil Burning Lamps, the shinning light of the Holy Spirit’s testimony.
- All ten Go Out to Meet (await) the Bridegroom, exhibiting holiness, sanctification and prophetic insight.
- All ten Fell Asleep. Denoting an elongated waiting period such as millennia of church history and/or a Mid-Tribulation Rapture. After which all are awakened at midnight to the Bridegroom’s approach.
- All ten Arise and Trim Their Lamps. Here, the one difference becomes apparent.
- Only half, the wise virgins, cared enough to have purchased Extra Oil. Once again Scripture warns that waiting until the need presents itself is too little too late.
Jesus warns that in this heartbreaking case, good wasn’t good enough to merit eternal life.
As if to test our diligence and discernment, Jesus fails to explain what the all important oil represents. Even while making the need to buy extra oil abundantly clear. A warning eerily reminiscent of the glorified Christ’s rebuke against the spiritual lukewarmness of Laodicea. The last of Revelation’s seven churches, of whom Churchianity seems a modern rendition:
- “Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see. The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!” Revelation 3:18-19 The Message
The previous terrible parable is distressing on a variety of levels. Particularly when compared to modern Christianity’s escalating levels of apathy and entitlement, worldliness and sin. All ten virgins are picture perfect, without even a hint of sin among them. Outside of sleeping on the job when the Bridegroom seems delayed. A circumstance that eventually revealed the costly failure of the five foolish to acquire enough oil.
Why not simply bring extra oil? Perhaps as a direct result of deceptive doctrines such as easy believism and/or the kind of self sufficiency that plagued the church of Laodicea. Again, Revelation’s seventh or last church placement is noteworthy. It’s reasonable to assume their’s is a fitting description of many believers in the last church age, just prior to entering the remainder of the Book of Revelation’s Great Tribulation period. The same might be said for the Parable of the Ten Virgins, given its placement in Christ’s Olivet Discourse of end time events.
In any case, since Jesus warns that the lack of extra oil is a deal breaker, even among “virgins” with otherwise identical track records, understanding its symbolism and manner of procurement is vital. Oil is often used in Scripture, both literally and figuratively. From the anointing of priests and kings, to the fellowship and power of the Spirit.
Certainly this necessitates full sanctification in pursuit of being continually “filled with the Spirit.” Up to and including the cultivation of the miraculous fruit and gifts of the Spirit, thereby obeying Scripture’s directive to “earnestly desire the best gifts.” The purchase of such crucial oil surely includes discerning and embracing the authentic Christ among the many. As well as the full, rather than partial, gospel. Along with recognizing the need for developing genuine spiritual sensitivity and living faith, rather than settling for modern substitutes of presumption and assumed salvation.
In light of these points, the implications of this largely ignored parable are no less than staggering! As such, its various components demand further examination. Jesus seems to introduce several similarities and differences worth exploring. Beginning with the most obvious contrasts between relatively sanctified and radical disciples, the minimum requirements of those meriting Scripture’s description as virgins. Both down through the ages as well as today.
Christ’s sole critique of foolish vs. wise disciples is a lack of acquiring additional oil for their already burning lamps.
Preceding cautiously, carefully to neither stretch nor minimize aspects of this crucial analogy, some or all the following seem to explain this costly oversight by otherwise perfect Christians:
- Wisdom vs. Foolishness: Dichotomies within Christendom generally arise from distinctions within theology and doctrine, corporate society and individual lifestyles. Major variations include Protestants vs. Catholics, First vs. Third World societies, as well as past vs. present generations.
- Delayed Coming: Possessing the resources and insight of Omnity, it’s reasonable to assume Jesus is likely referencing various principles and levels of meaning throughout this, and all His parables and teachings. For example, expectations of Christ’s imminent return have obviously lessened over millennia. Similarly, over time, a decline of zeal and holiness largely holds true on a collective and personal basis. Exacerbated by failed expectations and issues with God, entitlement and sin.
- Drowsy and Fell Asleep: Here again historicity and current culture provide logical pieces of the puzzle. As noted, the parable’s placement in Christ’s Olivet Discourse of end time events suggests particular relevance to the final church age and last day Laodiceans. Thus “drowsy and fell asleep” could among its many implications reference the diversions and distractions of modern life. Up to and including at least a partial yielding to unique and ubiquitous levels of temptations and deceptions.
- Oil vs. Extra Oil: As the key ingredient in Christ’s cautionary tale, oil in general and specifically extra oil may be a metaphor with multiple meanings. Biblical oil often denotes greater dimensions of grace and infilling by the Holy Spirit. Today such resources are in short supply, in keeping with Scripture’s description of last day society and Churchianity itself. This analogy of oil also synchronizes well with Jesus’ turning ceremonial water into the best of wine at the end of the wedding feast of Cana. Particularly since the the Ten Virgins parable is in direct reference to a wedding. Additionally, wedding and marriage are repeatedly used as metaphors for the Kingdom of Christ and His bride. Again, at the end of the wedding feast of Cana (perhaps representing the entire Church age), when the wine (likely miraculous fruit and gifts of the Spirit) had run out, Mary’s perfect intercession alters God’s timetable for Christ’s debut miracle with interesting and important implications in regards of the state of Churchianity. As well as Biblical hope and genuine encouragement for Prophetic Christians in these darkening days.
- Buy for Yourselves: By nature and New Testament directives, Christians are generous and giving people. The refusal of the wise virgins to share their extra oil strongly suggests an inability to do so. While this may hold true on a variety of levels, it remains a good fit for added aspects of grace and infilling by the Holy Spirit. While preaching and teaching, miracles and the laying on of hands are vehicles for corporate impartation, in the end salvation and all that accompanies it are personal in nature.
- Open the Door: Returning from seeking extra oil, the foolish virgins find the door already shut. While not told if their efforts were successful or not, we are warned that like their oil, time had run out. This is also in keeping with myriads of direct and indirect Biblical admonitions against spiritual apathy and lethargy, worldliness and worse. All reinforcing the Before Principal.
- I Never Knew You: The parable’s next to last sentence is extremely troubling to say the least. “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ This statement raises such questions most sidestep wrestling with the implication altogether. How could our loving and merciful, faithful and compassionate Lord and Savior not know all ten virgins (denoting extraordinary purity), who believed in Him (possessing mental assent), went out to meet him (implying active sanctification) with burning lamps (a shining testimony)? Are these not all common and acceptable signs of faith and devotion, salvation and discipleship? Here again, their lack of extra oil seems to testify to the necessity for greater grace and infilling by the Holy Spirit.
- Keep Watch: Christ’s final words fortify the vital need for increased preparation and prayer. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” Scripture warns to watch and pray for a variety of reasons. In this context, so as “not fall into temptation.” And that “you may be able to escape all that is about to happen.” In this case, Christ’s command appears to be the main remedy to both a general lack of preparedness, as well as the Jesus’ answer to acquiring the all elusive extra oil.
The Ezekiel passage warns of four distinct and severe judgments of “sword and famine and wild beasts and pestilence.” These perfectly mirror the prophesied release of the last of the infamous Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse as described in Revelation 6:
- “When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.” Revelation 6:7-8 New International Version.
Furthermore, given the dialogue between the foolish virgins and their wiser counterparts, Christ’s extra oil may be a resource better purchased sooner rather than later.
From primarily a spiritual point of view, our best bet at becoming and remaining wise virgins is to immediately and routinely “go to those who sell oil and buy some” for ourselves. Who sells such oil? Whom but the Trinity? And of what kind and quality? Certainly not the discount brand. How? Hopefully by diligently seeking and serving God, particularly in regards to embracing the more expensive lessons in how to walk in and with the Holy Spirit. To increasingly greater degrees. Specifically in regards to acquiring and continually manifesting the rare and priceless Divine and miraculous fruit and gifts of the Spirit.
There has also been understandable speculation that the refusal by the wise to share their remaining oil, lest they themselves run out, may also be a reference to scarce commodities during a prolonged period of hardship. Perhaps in keeping with Revelation’s account of Jesus breaking the first four of seven seals. Further evidence of a Mid rather than Pre-Tribulation Rapture.
While somewhat of a mystery, what is obvious is the need for extra oil. Over and above what may have seemed perviously sufficient. Just one more example of how costly, rather than cheep grace, wins the day.
Only a fraction of a percentage of First World believers concern themselves with the implication of such passages. Preachers and teachers who do find such verses incompatible with a spiritually civilian, rather than military mindset. Given the false dichotomy of conditional yet free gifts, up to and including unmerited salvation, Scripture’s warnings must then either be marginalized or forced to somehow fit within the framework of today’s seeker friendly mentality.
Such bent and broken doctrine is yet another example of Søren Kierkegaard's perviously referenced and insightful lament, “The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly… Oh, priceless scholarship, what would we do without you?”
A prevalent and persistent, concerning and critical condition, for which the New Testament’s one and only antidote will be extensively reviewed in the next chapter.
Detractors may well object. After all, it’s self evident that both the foolish virgins and Laodicea were invested in the Kingdom of God. True enough, but like so many, only up to a point. For undisclosed reasons, these otherwise pure and believing, sanctified and testifying virgins overlooked their crucial need of extra oil.
Perhaps they too had been lulled into believing Christianity is a cruise, rather than battleship.
What is clear is Churchianity’s failure to appreciate the subtle, and not so subtle, spiritual demands placed upon us by the tenor of Scripture’s context of conflict theology.
Modern Christianity is filled with believers from every walk of life. Many give at least some of their time, energy and money. Yet, taken as a whole, we’ve largely opted for the ease of peace and comfort, over and against the more strenuous demands of Biblical health and vitality. Assuring ourselves that all is well, we continue doing whatever we feel like. Regardless of the spiritual risk.
Yet according to Scripture, all is far from well. Spiritual and characterological apathy and anemia are all but endemic throughout modern Christianity. Telltale signs of worsening spiritual abnormality and disease. Even as a rapid onset of the deteriorating times and seasons in which we live present ever increasing and credible threats.
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