Pay Attention to your lamp
Good morning brethren, I like to share with us a word titled “Pay Attention to Your Lamp.” Our focused scripture is taken from Matthew 25:1-13, the parable of the ten virgins—a story that Jesus used to teach a powerful lesson on spiritual preparedness and vigilance. In this parable, ten virgin bridesmaids are waiting to meet the bridegroom. Five of them are described as wise because they carried extra oil for their lamps. The remaining five are described as foolish because they took their lamps but no extra oil. While waiting, all ten virgins fell asleep. At midnight, a cry rang out: “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” (v.6). Suddenly awakened, the foolish virgins realised their lamps were going out and asked the wise for oil. But the wise replied that they didn’t have enough to share and advised them to go and buy oil. While the foolish virgins were away, the bridegroom arrived, and the wise virgins entered the wedding banquet with him—and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins returned, they were denied entrance. This parable is a powerful metaphor for the return of Jesus Christ. The key difference between the wise and the foolish virgins was not that they were invited—but how prepared they were.
The oil, in this story, represents spiritual readiness, wisdom, and continual fellowship with God. It signifies the inner life of faith, prayer, obedience, and righteousness. The foolish virgins failed because they focused only on the present moment, ignoring the need for ongoing spiritual nourishment. Jesus warns in Matthew 24:36: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Therefore, we must live ready. Bringing It to the Present, at the beginning of each year, many believers seek a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit—fresh oil—through prayer and fasting. During this time, people commit more deeply to prayer, study the Word, attend church regularly, watch their speech and behaviour, show compassion, help the needy, and give to the poor. But sadly, for some, this renewed dedication fades with time. The once-burning lamp begins to flicker. Others, however, remain steadfast, and their flame continues to burn. This message today should stir us to reflect. Are we carrying extra oil? Are we cultivating a consistent walk with God, or just seasonal devotion? The oil of faith and wisdom is personal and non-transferable. We can gain support from others, but no one can walk our spiritual journey for us. We must stay spiritually awake, even if life delays the “bridegroom” moment. Verse 5 reminds us that even the wise fell asleep. But they were prepared. Challenges will come—spiritual dryness, health issues, financial struggles. In those moments, our extra oil—our relationship with God, faith, and spiritual disciplines—will sustain us. Don’t let modern ideologies or false teachings extinguish your flame. Stand firm on the truth of God’s Word.
In conclusion, the extra oil symbolises not just preparation, but sustained spiritual discipline. Let us be like the wise virgins—keeping our lamps lit and filled, no matter how long the wait, no matter the challenge. Let us watch, pray, and remain faithful, always ready for the return of our Lord and Saviour. May your oil never run dry, and may your lamp never go out in Jesus name. Amen. Thanksgiving Service is for 10.30am and workers meeting is for 10am. God’s blessings - Mike