Trailblazers: Pack Extra Oil
The kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 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 lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
Matthew 25:1-5 (NKJV)
As trailblazers bringing light to the world, performers for Christ must carry bright light:
Bright enough to blaze on stages and screens,
Bright enough to reach all kinds of people,
Bright enough to go the distance right now.
Because right now our world is very dark.
Too many of God's people are sleeping.
Too many lost sheep are still wandering,
And half of Christ’s betrothed are unprepared!
Matthew 25 hosts key parables, with sobering judgment criteria.* Christians dare not forget, but instead MUST remember what’s needed and BE PREPARED.
These warnings stand among our King’s LAST Words. Were they intended for the LAST of times before His glorious return to Earth? I believe they are.
Who are the virgins? US! His body, His church, the bride of Christ. In His story, ten sleeping brides are called. Half are ready and half are unprepared. The UNprepared didn't have enough oil, and faced a tragic ending: exclusion!
Exactly what does “the oil” represent?** Biblical scholars debate its meaning. Some of them say it’s the depth of our faith– while others say it's God's Holy Spirit.
BOTH say: Expect the surprise arrival of the Day of the Lord, when Christ divides… His sheep from goats and true faith from fake faith.
Now consider the young man, Timothy: a Christian pastor discipled by Paul. Certainly, he faced daunting obstacles. Perhaps he got scared. Perhaps he got faint. Perhaps his “fire” for Christ was flickering.
Among Paul’s first noteworthy words in His second Letter to Timothy are these:
'I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you… For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.' (2 Timothy 1:6-7).***
Was Timothy low on oil (God’s Spirit)? Paul gave him a heavenly prescription!
'What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you. Guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit Who lives in us' (v.13-14).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Your mission in media is urgent. Satan will try anything to stop you: to shrink your faith and diminish your glow. Take Paul’s words to heart. Stay in the Bible. Hang with deep Christians. Put on God’s armor, and pray constantly… to recharge your faith and be filled by God.
Trailblazers: Pack Extra Oil (Part 13)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
* Matthew 25: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mat+25&version=NKJV
** Short article: What is the Meaning of the Parable of Ten Virgins?: http://www.gotquestions.org/parable-ten-virgins.html
*** 2 Timothy 1: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20timothy%201&version=NASB