Jesus told the story of, “Ten Virgins”, Pastor Larry unpacks this more today about the, “Cry at Midnight.”
Matthew 25:1-13, NIV. “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins (not the world) who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all ‘the the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
1. The Ten Virgins represents the “CHURCH.”
He did not say, 10 sinners, 10 prostitutes. He is speaking about the church at Midnight.
2. The Timing this story represents, “THE MIDNIGHT.”
Talking about cry in the middle of the night that precedes the 2nd coming. We don’t know how long this “midnight” cry is heard but there was enough time for them to awake, get dressed, and the ones who had “oil” to prepare.
3. The Church is in a deep, “SLEEP.”
In this story, all the women were in a deep sleep. What does that say about the church when the midnight cry comes? What do we need to do today? WAKE UP!!
Larry & Janet