Take 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!’

— Matthew 25:1-6

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

Your parable of the ten virgins reminds me to stay awake, stay alert, and to "keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" of the bridegroom's return (vs. 13). Five virgins were wise and kept their lamps full and their wicks trimmed. The five foolish virgins ran out of oil and as they went to buy more, they missed the bridegroom's arrival. What's interesting is that all of them became drowsy and fell asleep—both the wise and the foolish. For these ten virgins, the bridegroom was a long time in coming but when he suddenly appeared, everyone woke up and trimmed their lamps. Only the wise virgins were ready with extra oil.

Waiting a long time for your coming can be tiring. It's not uncommon to get drowsy while we wait in this world, holding on until your return. But the key to being ready for the bridegroom's return is having extra oil. Oil represents the Holy Spirit and it does so for many reasons. Oil lubricates. Oil heals. Oil lights. Oil warms. Oil invigorates. Oil adorns. And oil polishes. The key to being ready for your return is to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit. Without the constant indwelling and refilling of the Holy Spirit, I become spiritually weak, lethargic, and defeated.

Gracious Lord Jesus, would You fill me again today with Your Holy Spirit? On these days when I am drowsy and prone to drift off to sleep while awaiting Your return, I need my lamp filled and my flame burning bright. I need Your Spirit in me to lubricate where there is friction and wear upon my soul. I need Your Spirit to soothe where I need healing and restoration. I need Your Spirit to light my steps and illuminate my way. I need Your Spirit to bring warmth and comfort to my heart. I need Your Spirit to invigorate me like a massage restores tired muscles. I need Your Spirit to adorn me like perfume so that I carry a pleasing aroma to others. I need Your Spirit to polish me and wipe away the grime and smooth my rough edges. Fill me full and overflowing as I await Your return. Awaken me and let this lamp I carry be bright and full of Your oil of the Holy Spirit.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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