This Sunday we explored the Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13)
Half of the bridesmaids we're fully prepared with extra oil and the lamp was burning bright when the bridegroom returned.
The other five, got lazy, bored with waiting for the grooms return and they were unprepared. No oil, no extra oil and there for the did not have a lamp that radiated any light.
It's hard parable, because Jesus teaches very clearly here... your faith is your personal responsibility. If you don't take personal responsibility for it, in the end you will be judged accordingly. Man that's hard to take in from such a God that is know for grace, love, and forgiveness.
The reality is, we live in a world low personal accountability and responsibility. We live in a world that allows for excuses and last minute bail outs, rather than having people take account for their choices or even lack of choices. Making no choice is still make a choice.
In the church, many of us rely others faith. Mom and Dad believe so I must be ok. I go to church, when I can, and I feel refreshed after words so I must go to go. This parable seems really harsh in verse 9, as the five bridesmaid who were prepared say to the other five, "We don't have enough for all of us. Go to the shop and buy some for yourselves."
May faith is mine, I can either keep it fueled, energized or I can run dry.. it's my choice.
The sad part is, if I let run dry, I may miss out on many amazing things that God would love for me to be apart of.
In the end, if my lamp is not shinning, it may effect eternity itself.
The maids all got sleepy, they all nodded off. Yet when the groom came, five still were prepare enough to burn bright and go with the groom (Jesus). I don't know how else to say it, I have to stay awake. I want to help others stay awake.
Everyone can take more responsibility for their own faith... if they really want to. But if you're sleeping life away... I guarantee you're going to miss out on so many things.
How's your faith, your lamp burning these days?
How do you get re-fueled when the faith journey gets long?
How prepared are you to go the distance?
How personal is your faith today?
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1 comment:
I have had to have a great deal of faith lately that the lord would keep my heart intact and my passions viable. Today was a great step towards my faith healing and getting restoration. It is funny how fellowship/personal relationships with other Jesus followers can affect me, and I know I must rely on my own that God's will be done, regardless of how much I want to rely on heart alone.
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