The Door Was Shut

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.  Matthew 25:10

Monday morning we left those five foolish virgins out in the world preparing their accomplishments for the wedding. The oil of self-improvement was lapping at the top of their containers when they approached the door of the hall to the wedding feast. However, the door was shut and with a lamp in one hand and a full container in the other, they could by no means open the door for themselves. Such accomplished virgins too, how is it they could not open that particular door when they had already broken down doors and glass ceilings? 

Monday was all about distraction. It was a story of smoke and fluff designed to show the potential for confusion we face in this world. The distractions of the world claim many even as we read this, hopefully shorter bit, on this fine morning. Jesus told us in His great sermon to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. But we, raised in the fallen world on the cursed earth, go out first to make a living for ourselves, get educated, experience the pleasures the world offers while we are young, and other distractions. In time we grow a little older and begin to seek for more fulfillment, and then comes the great self-improvement phase. All this time the door to the wedding feast is closing. Why are five ready and five not ready? What is this oil the five foolish ones must go out to purchase, and can it really be bought for money?

I think that is why the five virgins are foolish, not because they were foolish from birth or because of their hair color, but because they were well versed in the foolishness of the world and they were not ready. Jesus spoke of the end times in His Olivet Discourse, and in the end there will be those who are selling salvation. The five wise virgins were ready and had nothing to do with the peddlers of salvation oil. The five foolish ones could not see the difference between the light of Christ in the lamps of the wise ones and the stuff sold on the soul market in the evil city. As the foolish ones were out making their purchase, the five prepared virgins went into the wedding and became bridesmaids.  The five foolish virgins were left outside the closed door, and even the bridegroom did not recognize them when they called, "Lord, Lord!" 

So, is the male pig about to give a great 'oink!'? Are we to be against virgins and careers? Once again we are already long enough for today. Write you on the morrow! 

Love in Christ,
Bucky