Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
When I read this parable, I am reminded of Paul Revere's Midnight Ride. Just as he had proclaimed that the British were coming, I declare to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ that the Bridegroom is coming... and its soon!
Jesus likened the Kingdom of Heaven to a marriage. Now, one must understand that marriage in biblical times and marriage in our day and age were very different.
Therefore, let's take a trip back in time...
Marriage 2,000 years ago went as follows:
The bridegroom always took the initiative. (I must note, it should be the same in this day and age. The Bible clearly states that HE who finds a wife finds a good thing, not SHE!)
- But, here's what he does. He goes from his father's house to the bride's house. There, he pays a price for the bride in order to purchase her.
- Once the price is paid, the marriage covenant is established. They are now in covenant relation.
- From this time on, the bride is set apart for her husband.
- As a symbol of the movement of the relationship, the bridegroom and the bride drink from a cup of wine over which betrothal benediction had been pronounced.
- Then, the bridegroom leaves the bride's home and returns to his father's home. Therefore, the bride and the bridegroom remains separate for a period of 12 months.
- During this period of time, the bride's duty is to get ready for the married life.
- In the meantime, the bridegroom prepares a place in his father's house for his bride. And, at the end of the period, the bridegroom takes his bride to live with him.
- But, the bride doesn't know the exact time of his coming!
- The bridegroom's arrival is preceded by a shout. This shout is as a forewarn for preparedness.
- After the bride is received, a wedding feast is thrown at the father's house.
- Upon arrival, wedding guests had been assembled already. These guests escorted the bride and the bridegroom to the bridal chamber.(Note: the bride is veiled.)
- Then, the bride and the bridegroom enter into the bridal chamber alone and enter into physical union alone.
- Afterwards, the bridegroom anounces fulfillment to the other members of the wedding feast waiting outside the chamber. Then, the news is passed on to the guests.
- Upon receiving the good news, the guests feast and make merry for 7 days. During these 7 days, the bride remains hidden in the bridal chamber.
- At the completion of the 7 days, the bridegroom reveals his bride unveiled!
Now, here's revelation and understanding:
- God so loved the world! (John 3:16)
- Jesus came into the world as the only begotten of God. (John 3:16)
- Jesus paid the price for sin on the cross and made the purchase. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
- Also, with the price paid, He has possession of those in covenant relation with Him. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
- With this covenant, those in relation are set apart for Christ. (2 Corinthians 6:17) Also, what drew the separation of the children of Israel and the Egyptians was the water! Thus, what marks the covenant is baptism in Jesus' name. (Acts 2:38)
- As a symbol of the covenant, communion is taken which is also a picture of the last supper that Jesus shared with the disciples. This was done in remembrance of Him. (1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23-25)
- Jesus was also received up in glory applying to His ascension to the throne. (Mark 16:19; John 20:17; Acts 1:9) This is what is interpreted as the Bride and Bridegroom being separate.
- The Church is to ready herself in this period of waiting. (Matthew 24:44; Luke 12:40)
- In the meantime, the Lord prepares a place for His covenant-relation people. Also, He will come back to receive them. (John 14:2-3)
- His coming is preceded with a shout! And with this shout, the Church is caught away. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
- Then, upon the arrival to Heaven, the wedding guests who had already been assembled (which are the saints of the Old Testament according to the 24 elders in Rev. 4) escort Jesus and the Church to the "bridal chamber"(the judgment seat of Christ 2 Cor. 5:10) where her works are tried and tested. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
- Jesus anounces the fulfillment of the reward-giving to the other members (these "members" may be the angels, but this is uncertain) which pass down the news.
- Upon receiving the news, the saints of old feast and make merry. Also, the Church is hidden in the "bridal chamber" for 7 days. Here's understanding: the 7 days represent the 7 years of the Tribulation period. This period is the last week of Daniel's prophecy. (This period of time covers Revelation 6-20)
- Then, the Lord reveals His bride in her glory; unveiled. (Revelation 21:9-21)
Therefore, I tell you: "THE BRIDEGROOM IS COMING!"
Ready yourself for the coming of the Lord to snatch His bride. The major picture is that only 5 of the virgins were ready. The five that were not were left behind!
You cannot live off of mom or dad's anointing. You must have it for yourself before its too late! Ready yourself, THE BRIDEGROOM IS COMING!
Keep the words and sayings of Jesus, get Him for yourself. You must hurry: THE BRIDEGROOM IS COMING!
Oh, Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, hear the Word of the Lord!
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” - Revelation 22:12-13
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