Stay Ready
Devotional Thought
The parable of the ten virgins is one of Jesus’ most urgent warnings. It’s a call to live with readiness, not just belief. Through this story, Jesus confronts spiritual complacency and emphasizes the importance of personal preparation for His return.
Ten virgins are waiting for the bridegroom. All of them bring lamps. Yet only five carry oil, while the others come unprepared. When the bridegroom arrives unexpectedly, the foolish virgins rush out to buy oil, but they return too late. The door is shut, and they’re left outside.
Their mistake wasn’t a lack of belief—it was a lack of preparation.
Not Just Looking the Part
At first glance, all ten virgins seem alike. They all expect the bridegroom and all have lamps. They all fall asleep while waiting. But when the moment arrives, the difference becomes painfully clear.
Jesus uses this image to show us that outward appearances can be misleading. We might carry the lamp of religion, but without the oil of relationship, we remain spiritually empty. It’s not enough to know about God; we must know Him personally.
Faith Is Not Transferable
When the five foolish virgins realize they are out of oil, they ask the others to share. However, the wise virgins cannot give away what only comes through personal devotion. Spiritual readiness isn’t something you can borrow.
You can’t rely on your parents’ faith or your pastor’s walk with God. Your salvation and spiritual maturity depend on your own pursuit of Christ. Today is the time to cultivate that relationship—not someday when it’s convenient.
Delay Doesn’t Mean Denial
Sometimes, God’s timing feels delayed. The bridegroom didn’t arrive when expected. All ten virgins became drowsy and fell asleep. Yet only five were prepared when he finally came.
Spiritual slumber is real. Life can lull us into routine. Distractions pile up. We assume we’ll have time to get serious about our faith later. But Jesus reminds us that the delay in His return is not an excuse for apathy—it’s an opportunity to prepare.
Now is the time to keep your spiritual lamp trimmed and burning.
The Door Was Shut
Perhaps the most sobering part of the parable comes at the end: “And the door was shut.” The foolish virgins plead to be let in. But the bridegroom responds, “Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.”
This is not about cruelty. It’s about urgency. There will be a time when grace gives way to judgment. Jesus offers mercy now, but He won’t delay forever. The wise will respond today. The foolish will wait until it’s too late.
Keep Watch
This parable doesn’t just warn us—it equips us. We are not told the day or the hour, so we must live like it could be any moment. That doesn’t mean fear—it means focus. It means living with purpose, rooted in a relationship with Jesus, and ready to meet Him at any time.
Keep your oil full. Stay in the Word. Walk in repentance. And live like you’re expecting the King to return.
Reflection Questions:
- Am I spiritually prepared, or am I spiritually asleep?
- What does “oil in my lamp” look like in my current season?
- Have I delayed anything God asked me to do out of complacency?
Prayer:
Lord, awaken my heart. Don’t let me settle for routine or outward religion. Fill me with Your Spirit and keep my soul watchful. Help me live with urgency, hope, and expectation for Your return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.