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?