Prepared to Wait

1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, 'Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'" (Matthew 25:1-6)

Waiting is hard. Impatience can make us both restless and fatigued. In Jesus' parable of the ten bridesmaids, all ten came with lamps containing enough oil for the anticipated time of the groom's arrival. But when the groom took longer than expected only five of the bridesmaids still had enough oil to last through the traditional procession to the groom's home. By the time the less prepared bridesmaids attained additional oil, the door to the celebration had been shut, and in response to their cries, the groom replied that he did not know them.

We are all waiting for something from God - the specific desires of our hearts and the ultimate return of Christ, and the righteous justice that return will bring. Like the wise bridesmaids we must stay in regular contact with the Supplier of our oil, which represents God's presence, peace, provision, and purpose. We will all get tired and find our focus on things of this world - even good things - which cause us to fall asleep to the ways God is working, and desiring to work, in and through us. The intimate relationship God seeks to have with us can not be built in a hurry. But, by studying God's word, staying in communication through prayer, and regularly fellowshipping with others on this journey, we can wait well and we will have all the oil we need.

2 Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” 3 Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. 4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” 5 She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 6 When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing. (2 Kings 4:2-6)