Matthew 25:5-9 Illuminating Prudence and Lukewarm

Matthew 25:5-9

5 Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep. 6 But at midnight there finally was a shout: ‘Behold, the groom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 But the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’

Procrastination seems to be a problem for a lot of people and this includes myself, but I notice even more so with non-followers of God. In my teenage years I was a Boy Scout, I learned the scout motto is  “Be Prepared” and I try to live by that motto, but still find myself procrating. The problem with two groups for bridesmaids is five were prepared and five wasn’t, scripture divided them from the prudent and the foolish. The wise man king Solomon wrote being prudent and foolish in the book of Proverbs and he was pretty blunt. 

Proverbs 12:23 A prudent person conceals knowledge,but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

The parable of the ten virgins is about those ready for the coming of Jesus, and chaotic events that happen toward the near closing stages of the sinful world. Most people seem to know of God, some people seem to believe in doomsday events. There are Christian who believe in God, who read the Holy BIble and attend church worship and there those who are opposite. Christian who know the truth of God’s will are the wise prudent ones. They are comfortable when they hear the trumpet sound, Jesus is finally coming and welcomes His dissension from heavens. One of the words that came to me when reading and studying this Bible passage is lukewarm, which comes from Revelation chapter 3. 

Revelation 3:15  ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

The word lukewarm is an adjective you make known the definition of not being hot or cold water but if you look deeper it sounds like someone who isn’t prudent.

Lukewarm:not enthusiastic or interested:

The five foolish bridesmaids were lukewarm, only there because they were somewhat invited and only brought enough oil for what they thought would be a short wedding. The five wish prudent bridesmaids  knew the couple were getting married and knew a lot was going to see vows exchanged and man and woman become husband and wife so they bought extra oil. When the day of the Lord comes will you and I be ready? Will we be asking other Christian for the Holy Spirit that lives in them to come, we who were lukewarm and slack in a relationship with Jesus and His church. Being lukewarm in a relationship with God’s word and His church, will leave you unprepared  and begging others for help but it will be too late. Please prepare your hearts, time is short and Jesus is coming soon. God bless you all, the Bridegroom Jesus you and so do I. Samuel H

Proverbs 22:3 A prudent person sees evil and hides himself, but the naive proceed, and pay the penalty.