And The Door Was Shut

Matthew 25:3 – The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. (NIV)

This year we brought our computer with us to Florida, and I left all my backup files behind. These were mostly devotional topics I was planning to work on.

While we were trying to set up our server and get the computer running, I noticed some strange things going on. One morning I attempted to start up the computer but it wouldn't open. We tried everything, but it was completely locked up.

The decision was made to re-format and begin again. We did this, and I spent hours installing the regular programmes. Suddenly, it dawned on me: I had lost my entire personal folder, and the backup disks were 1400 miles away. I never thought it would happen to me!

This led me to think of the ten virgins who took their lamps. Five took extra oil and five did not. When their lamps grew dim, the wise ones had extra oil with them, and the five foolish ones had to go and buy oil to refill their lamps. While they were away, the bridegroom came, the wedding banquet was ready and the door was shut.

Here is a lesson for us: we should always be prepared, for we know not when the end day will come. We don't want to be out looking around for something that is here for us to receive right now. We don't want to be left out and to find the door is shut.

Matthew 25:11-13 – Later the others also came. "Sir! Sir!" they said. "Open the door for us!" But he replied, "I tell you the truth, I don't know you." Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, make us more vigilant for Your coming. If we have not taken precautions to have everything we need to have, help us to do it now, before it is too late. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.