Recently, something caught my attention and led me to a completely different conclusion than I first thought.

The parable of the ten virgins was the discussion. The designated title of virgins tells us they were women of purity. The ten women were all waiting for the Bridegroom to come, which tells us they were believers. All ten ladies fell asleep because the time of waiting was long. Every one of the ten responded to the cry that the Bridegroom was coming and woke up. 

The oil in the lamp is the question begging for an answer because they all had oil, but five fell short of the required amount. If the oil represented the Holy Spirit, it would mean there will forever remain a question if you have enough of the Holy Spirit to qualify your entrance into the wedding feast.

If the amount of the Holy Ghost is the determining factor, how can anyone be sure they have enough? What if the oil in the lamps represents something entirely different? It only makes sense that the one qualifying factor must be the oil of intimacy. You can possess an infinite amount of knowledge and still fall short. You can heal the sick, cast out demons, and preach to the masses without the privilege of standing on Jesus’ right side on the Day of Judgment.

Matthew 7:22-23

 Many will say to Me on that day [when I judge them], ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many miracles in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them publicly, ‘I never knew you;

For me to know Jesus, I must surrender and abandon myself. I must leave this world behind for the uncertainties and trials of a Jesus follower. The reward is peace without fear, joy without limits, and the courage to move the mountains designed to discourage me in the name of Jesus. He is worth it all. 

Amen