April 06 Thurs.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13 / 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. (3~4)

Hymn #191 I'm Rejoicing Night and Day (Unified Hymn 427)

"The Parable of the Ten Virgins" tells the story of ten virgins who were waiting for the bridegroom. In Israel, there are three wedding ceremonies. First is the engagement ceremony. At this time, after equipping oneself with talent; specialization; and a sense of the field, there is an exchange of covenants. After that, another ceremony takes place at the bride's house. There, everyone waits for the groom to come then a wonderful banquet follows. This represents waiting for Christ, who has existed since the beginning of time; has saved people by becoming incarnate; has resurrected; and will return as the Lord of the Second Coming. The final ceremony takes place at the groom's house. This refers to the banquets of Heaven and the throne. This is your actual background and hometown. Like so, you must prepare oil.

1. Heal "Me"
Even if you have a lantern, if there's no oil, then it's of no use. This oil is "the oil of the Holy Spirit" which Joseph and Moses as well as Samuel and David had possessed. (Genesis 41:38, Exodus 3:18-20, 1 Samuel 3:1-19, & 16:1-13) Elisha, who knew this mystery, sought a double portion of Elijah's spirit. For Daniel, he possessed this from the beginning. (2 Kings 2:9~11 & Daniel 1:8~9) That's why Jesus spoke of God's Kingdom and "only Holy Spirit." (Acts 1:1, 3, & 8) You must always enjoy these.

2. Heal Others
Presently, people are enslaved to the world and to Satan. Spiritually, they're in a more severe war; are seized by darkness and are being held captive; and have become colonized. In the future, Israel and churches will become a "wandering people.” Even your posterity will end up like this. They can only be liberated with "the oil of the Holy Spirit."

3. Heal Welfare Recipients
"Only Holy Spirit" can heal welfare recipients. In addition to being healed, they can be raised as helpers and missionaries.

You must also look at "the stream of answers." At the very end, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, to teach you all things and remind you of everything, (John 14:16, 14:26-27, & 16:13) Jesus also said, "Receive the Holy Spirit and when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you'll receive power." (John 20:22 & Acts 1:8) Holding onto these promises, the world was revived through Paul and the members of the Early Church who were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:1~13, 13:1-4, 16:6 ~10, 19:1~7, 19:8~20, 19:21, 23:11, & 27:24)

[Covenantal Prayer] Dear God, through today's Word, thank you for granting the grace to do the ministry of "healing welfare." May I become the spiritual disciple who prepares spiritual oil. Through this power, help me become the witness to save the entire world. In Jesus Christ's name, I pray. Amen.