Monday Morning Manna

Monday, November 9

Monday Morning Manna   

Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamp. Matthew 25:2-4

Yesterday Evangelist-elect Collin Philips shared the story of The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins from Matthew 25:1-13 and titled his message Carry Your Own Oil. In the passage these maidens were waiting for the coming of the bridegroom. In terms of the Lord’s ultimate message, they were waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ. Today as the world continues to battle the unknown as we continue to live through a time of great troubles and trials, we need the oil (the Holy Spirit) to light out lamps. During these days of COVID 19, the whole world has been thrown into confusion, panic, fear and uncertainty. Even with everything shifting all around us the church remains to be a place of hope, security and peace.

According to the parable, all ten virgins took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Evangelist Philip reminded us, all ten were in the same place and all ten received the same instructions. But five of them were wise and five of them were foolish. Five listened and five did not. Now the wise ones took extra oil for their lamps but the foolish ones did not. And when the bridegroom’s coming was delayed, the lamps of the foolish went out and they had to find fresh oil; but by then it was entirely too late. They should have fetched fresh oil earlier while they had the time.

We need to understand our need for oil, the Holy Spirit. You see oil was essential for their service. They had to have oil to walk with and shine for the bridegroom. Without it, they were powerless to serve him and were excluded by him in the end. So what does this mean for us? We need the Holy Spirit to continue on this journey, without it we are powerless. The Holy Spirit (oil) gives us power in the name of Jesus.

This week be reminded of the power that comes with having your lamp (you) filled with the oil (the Holy Spirit). We need this oil in order to walk with and shine for Jesus in this world. The wise knew the oil was needed for the journey and was sure to stock up on it. When we welcome Jesus into our heart, we receive the Holy Spirit at that time. But we need to find a fresh supply of oil every day. We need fuel for the fire. We need daily to be filled and refilled with the presence and power of the blessed Holy Spirit by spending time with God in His word.