Introduction: Have you ever heard the expression, “Burning the Midnight Oil”? Projects, deadlines, demands, responsibilities, tasks, and urgent needs all require…. “Burning the Midnight Oil”! Every mother understands this term from practical experiences! Most caregivers understand burning the midnight oil. 

In our devotion today, we are going to observe that some virgins, five (5), who were WISE kept stocked up on oil for their lamps and were ready for their bridegroom to come, whereas the other UNWISE virgins, five (5), did not have oil for their lamps and consequently they missed out being ready for their bridegroom.

The context of Matthew 25 is following Matthew 24, which records Jesus Christ’s response to His disciples’ question concerning the end of time.

“…..disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matt 24:3)

After describing what obviously appears to be the time of the tribulation (see Matt 24:29- cataclysmic signs), Jesus moves into the discussion with His JEWISH disciples how to be ready for His second coming, not the rapture, which precedes  the second coming by seven years. 

Please note: The technical interpretation of this passage (Matt 25) is during the tribulation not before the rapture.

You ask why?

Because the tribulation (see all the signs in Matt 24:15f – ex. abomination desolation, etc.) was meant for the evangelization of the Jews, and the wrath of God to be poured out upon unbelievers. Furthermore, it will focus on the “times of the Gentiles” to be fulfilled (Luke 21:24).

Therefore, this passage chronologically speaking, would be a description of what happens to the Jewish people as they prepare for their bridegroom (Jesus Christ), or get left behind during the 7 years on earth when Jesus pours out His wrath on this earth in the form of 7 seals, 7 trumpets, and 7 vials (Rev 5,6-18).

All of this time, seven (7) years, is preparing them to enter into the millennium reign of 1,000 years where Christ sits on His throne and fulfills His unconditional covenants with Abraham, David, and the Jewish people.

Remember, Jesus will save and seal a remnant of Jewish people during the tribulation including the evangelists (144,000 -Rev 7;14), plus the two witnesses (Rev 11), who will be faithful to preach the gospel. In addition, there will be the salvation of a number of Gentiles as recorded in the book of Revelation.

But keep in mind that first Jesus Christ comes back for the Church before the beginning of the tribulation (see Paul’s writing to the Church -1Thess 4:13-18; 5:1-9- the rapture is the next event on God’s calendar). Having stated the technical interpretation, which is meant for the Jews in this passage (Matt 25:1-13), we can now draw some practical application from this study for the Church today.

But please notice… only after we stay TRUE to the technical interpretation.

So let’s see three (3) reasons Jesus is calling His followers today to keep OIL in our LAMPS.

1. Because with OIL in our LAMPS, we can REACH OUT to those without HOPE and ETERNAL LIFE!

“1Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” (Matt 25:11,12)

2. Because with OIL in our LAMPS, we can TEACH and make DISCIPLES to those who need to GROW in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord Jesus!

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matt 25:13)

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 45Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” (Matt 24:42-46)

After we reach them, then we teach them. That is what our Lord instructed us to do.

Listen to the GREAT COMMISSION:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt 28:19,20)

3. Because with OIL in our LAMPS, we can Prepare to stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ!

Conclusion: With oil in our lamps, we can reach out to the lost, disciple those who are saved, and prepare to stand before the judgement seat of Christ. One of our dear deacons, Bro. Phil used to say, “let’s get our wicks trimmed, and oil ready for Jesus to come again”!

Have you got oil in your lamp?

1. Should we be praying for SURVIVAL while we wait for Jesus’ ARRIVAL?

“And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” (Luke 21:24-28)

Our Lord Jesus is speaking to His disciples (and us) preparing them for what is ahead. This Olivet discourse covers a major portion of the tribulation events that will unfold AFTER the RAPTURE of the Church (see 1Cor 15:52-55; 1Thess 4:13-18).

Check out these SIGNS:

“25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

After the GREAT EVACUATION – the “catching away” of the Church, the Antichrist will force a mark upon all left on the earth in order for them to buy or sell, which called the “Mark of the Beast.” (Rev 13:16-18).

2. Should we be praying for REVIVAL as we wait for Jesus’ ARRIVAL?

“34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

Like then, during this terrible time, there will be many people, bent OVER with CARES…. “and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” (v34)

But Jesus instructed His disciples instead of being bent over with “CARE,” be lifted up with “PRAYER”!

“36Watch ye therefore, and pray always.” (v36)

Introduction: We have all been BLESSED beyond measure! Blessed with health, families, homes, Churches, jobs, and most of all – eternal life, if you have repented of sins and trusted in Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Why has our Lord BLESSED us so much? The answer is so that we will answer His Calling.

1. Because we are Marked men and women sent on a MISSION!

“And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. 2And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. 3And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.” (Rev 9:1-4)

During the tribulation, these demon-like locusts will torment those who do not have the seal of God on their forehead. Today, it is CHRISTian bashing season in America. TV sitcoms, Hollywood, and the secular music industry, as well as atheistic and agnostic politicians, mock our CHRISTian faith. Yet, our Lord Jesus has called us to suffer hardship as we take up a cross daily and follow Him. Are you being persecuted right now? Stand strong in the Lord!

2. Because deadly DEMONS are destroying!

“And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. 6And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them….” (Rev 9:5-19)

These hideous demonic creatures will torment those on the earth during the tribulation. Their king is named:

“And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.” (Rev 9:11)

3. Because Jesus Christ is CALLING us to call others to change!

“20And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: 21Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.” (Rev 9:20,21)

Jesus is calling all men to turn from:
* IDOLATRY
* IMMORALITY

Conclusion: We should Answer Jesus’ Call because we’ve been:
* Sealed by the Holy Spirit of God
* Washed in the blood of the lamb
* Kept by the Power of God
* Inheritors of a heavenly possession which cannot be destroyed

Will you answer? Jesus is Calling!

Introduction: Remember the O.T. prophets saw with the eye of faith and explained the events that were futuristic which pertained to Israel, not the Church. Such is the case in today’s devotion. Micah foretold of (4) “Endtime Signs” that specifically related to Israel in God’s prophetic – time plan.

1. A COALITION of Nations that would form against the nation of Israel!

“11Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion. 12But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.” (Micah 4:11-13)

Looking around at current events from a geopolitical perspective reveals several countries coming together with the intention of overthrowing the nation of Israel. This coalition includes the nation of Iran, and now Afghanistan under the control of the Taliban. Reports indicate their proxies are arming Hamas, Fatah and other terroristic organizations for the purpose of taking back the land God gave to Israel. Recently, Russia admittedly shot down Israeli missiles which were fired into Syria against the terrorist group Hezbollah. News reports reveal that China engaged in talks with the Taliban prior to the take over of Kabul and the nation of Afghanistan. Turkey is a part of this anti-Semitic COALITION. President Tayyip Erdogan has declared his goal is to establish a worldwide Islamic caliphate.

Meanwhile, the leadership in America, which in the past was a faithful ally under the previous administration, is now vacillating between its full support of Israel. Israel is in the crosshairs of an all out attack which Micah describes.

2. A RESTORATION of the Jews back to their homeland!

“6In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; 7And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.” (Micah 4:6-8)

Israel has experienced a partial fulfillment of the Old Testament Prophecies concerning their RESTORATION back to their homeland. After their dispersion in 70 AD due to the invasion and destruction by the Romans, the Jewish people were scattered throughout the earth. However, on that infamous day, May 14,1948 under the bold leadership of Prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, Israel was declared a nation once again. Thousands of Jews returned to the homeland; and, yet more will return in the future according to Ezekiel’s prophecy.

3. An INAUGURATION of Jesus Christ’s millennium Kingdom!

“And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 4But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it. 5For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.” (Micah 4:3-5)

When the Lord Jesus reigns in Zion, there will be PEACE and PROSPERITY for Israel unparalleled in human history.
According to both Isaiah’s writing and John’s prophecy in the book of Revelation, the millennium (1,000 years) will usher in a transformation, from the hatred and wars of nations as well as the animal kingdom, with true PEACE. Satan will be bound. The martyred saints will be avenged at the second coming of Jesus Christ (Rev 19:11-16), where the Antichrist and false prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire. The Church will return with her bridegroom who comes back to the earth as the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”! At the end of the millennium, Satan will be loosed out of his prison and go out to deceive the nations one last time. But he will meet his final demise as he will be thrown into the lake of fire to be tormented forever.

4. A REVELATION of the rebuilt temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem!

“1But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. 2And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”(Micah 4:1,2)

Presently, there is not a temple for worship for the Jewish people standing in Jerusalem; however, for some time now, plans have been made in the past, and are being made in the present to rebuild a temple. Granted, this next temple will not fit the description of Ezekiel’s temple, otherwise known as Messiah’s temple.  Rather, the next temple will be used by the Antichrist who will claim to be God and sit in the temple to be worshipped as God (2Thess 2:3,4). His time will expire at the end of the tribulation when Jesus comes again, approximately 7 years after the rapture. Jesus Christ will sit on His throne in the temple (Ezekiel’s 40-47) in Jerusalem and rule and reign for 1,000 years. Immediately following those years, Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire, and God will make a new heaven and a new earth with the New Jerusalem. Eternity future awaits all of God’s people! There’s hope in Jesus for us!!

Conclusion: These 4 prophetic events have not been fully fulfilled, but are destined to unfold according to the Word of God. When has there ever been a time when nations are not at war?

“…. nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Micah 4:3)

These futuristic events will be evident in the “last days,” (Micah 4:1).

That means the rapture must take place before these events, according to the Bible. Therefore, these days are calling us to REACH up to God’s throne of GRACE, REACH out to those lost without hope, and REACH in for resurrection power available by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Introduction: The LOVE of Jesus changes you! If you’ve ever experienced His great agape love, you know how it has radically changed you. The man who was inspired to write this passage found in 2 Corinthians was transformed by the living and LOVING Christ, while on his way to persecute CHRISTians.

Consider the (4) ways the LOVE of God in Christ Jesus changes you:

See if it has you…

1. Warning people respectfully!

“11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” (2Cor 5:11)

Once we discover who the God of the Bible is, then we a have holy respect and reverence for Him. That is why we want others to come to know Him as well. Do you really know Him? Do you want Him to be known? What will you do today?

2. Loving Jesus practically!

“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” (2Cor 5:14,15) 

This is LOVE not LEGALISM! Some people’s CHRISTianity is “legalistic,” consisting of rules and regulations. Other’s CHRISTianity is motivated by the LOVE of Jesus and love for Jesus.

Which is yours? 

3. Changing bad habits daily!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Cor 5:17)

Our resurrected Lord is changing us daily…thoughts, actions, reactions, motives, etc.

4. Representing God faithfully!

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2Cor 5:20,21)

What a privilege to represent our Lord Jesus by the power of the Holy Ghost! Often, we are the only Bible people are reading. What do they see? Hear?

5. Preparing to stand before Jesus accountably! 

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (2Cor 5:10)

This is a rude awakening of the future, standing before Jesus Christ. What will He say?

Conclusion: Being loved and forgiven by the greatest LOVER in the world is life’s most important discovery. In turn, (He) changes us to fulfill His purpose for creating us.

What a joy it is to serve and LOVE our Lord!

1. Prepare Spiritually!

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” (Phil 3:20,21)

2. Prepare Relationally!

“6For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1Thess 4:16,17)

3. Prepare Biblically!

“3Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (Rev 1:3)

4. Prepare Evangelistically!

“36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matt 24:36-44)

Conclusion: Can you say like John who wrote this message to the Church of Thyatira?

“25But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.”

1. Peter – the Sandman.

“One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.” (John 1:42)

2. Peter – the Carnal man!

“21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (Matt 16:21-23)

Peter had just made an earth shattering confession that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God; and then he has a lapse back into the flesh as seen here. He vehemently opposed Jesus having to die. Little did he know.

3. Peter – the Broken man!

“8When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken.” (Luke 5:8,9)

4. Peter – the Pentecostal Preacher!

“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words.” (Acts 2:14)

1. Tychicus

“All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: 8Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts.” (Col 4:7)

The word “servant” is διάκονος, (dee-ak’-on-os), which means a servant, minister, a waiter, servant, then of any one who performs any service, an administrator.

2. Onesimus

“9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.” (Col 4:9)

3. Epaphraus

“12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.” (Col 4:12)

The words “labouring fervently” is ἀγωνίζομαι, (ag-o-nid’-zom-ahee), which means struggling, striving (as in an athletic contest or warfare); I contend, as with an adversary.

Conclusion: The Holy Spirit led Paul to salute others who were faithful servants like Barnabas, Luke and Aristarchus.
But please check out what he wanted to pass on to Archippus.

“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” (Col 4:17)

Introduction: Are you saved? You say… By Grace alone, thru faith alone, in Christ alone. I’ve got a Pastor friend who always ADDS, but we are NEVER ALONE! Now that you are saved from sin’s penalty (Rom 6:23), are you SERVING our Lord Jesus?

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Rom 12:4-8)

• teaching
• ministering
• administrating
• exhorting
• giving
• showing mercy and compassion
• discerning
• serving

3. How about the Spiritual gifts for the Ministry?

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” (Eph 4:11-13)

Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, servant leaders, Pastors/teachers, and evangelists are placed into the Church to serve the Lord Jesus who is head of the Church.

Conclusion: Guess what every CHRISTian will do in heaven, more specifically the New Jerusalem?

“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:” (Rev 22:3)

We will continue to SERVE Jesus!

Also please do not forget, we will either be rewarded or suffer loss at the “Judgement Seat of Christ.” This test will determine HOW we used or did not use the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit. Finally, after studying this subject, it is apparent that we can get a lot of practice right now – with on the job training here on earth!

1. Doers of the Word are better than just hearers!

“22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)

2. The Word of God will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Word of God!

“9Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psa 119:9-11)

3. There are nuggets of wisdom deeply hidden in the treasures of the Word of God.

“16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col 3:16)

4. The Word of God is alive!

“2For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12)

The word “quick” means life. When mixed with Faith, it becomes unbreakable.

5. Jesus quoted the Holy Scriptures when tempted by the devil.

Conclusion: Obviously, there are numerous other passages that could have been included in this devotion. But the point is incorporating the Word of God into our lives daily is a non-negotiable.

How are you doing?