"…AND THEY THAT WERE READY WENT IN…."
Jesus has been speaking to our hearts much recently about His soon coming, and we have been moved to study and pray to be made Ready for that day. The Bible doesn't say a great deal about it, but what it does say is very definite, and the Lord has been dealing with me about the importance of the preparation that is required in order to be at the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb". The words of Matthew 25:10 move my soul in a very real way: "…And they that were READY went in with HIM to the marriage: and the door was shut." It seems that before the Bridegroom came, many Christian people appeared spiritual, sincere and interested in all regular functions of the church. But when the Bridegroom came, there was a great and complete difference visible among them, immediately.
There was a separation clearly made, because "They that were READY went in WITH HIM", and the others remained outside. They were excluded. Surely, "READINESS" means, being Ready to Live, Ready to Die, Ready for Anything God Appoints; doesn't it? It means being entirely regenerated and sanctified; anointed and filled with the Holy Spirit; quickened and brought into fellowship and lover ship with Jesus, our Heavenly Bridegroom so that we are longing to enjoy and live with Him forever.
Some Christians go to many religious services and go through many religious forms, but do not have an ardent, glowing PRAYER-LIFE WITH AN OBEDIENT HEART, longing to do His bidding. These Christians have "lamps", but no oil. Yes, "They that were Ready went in", because they KNEW HIM, intimately.
Each one had a personal relationship with Jesus. "And the door was shut." They were to live forever with Him Whom their hearts loved and adored… Why were some of the Christians (virgins) not ready although they appeared to be? Ah, they didn't have an intimate relationship - that close companionship with JESUS! They didn't have the real "oil" in their lamps. They had put off serious preparation until it was too late. Oh, what an "abundant entrance" awaits ALL the Faithful and Obedient! Who "have not loved their own lives unto the death". Hallelujah!
