30 August 2019 - behold, the bridegroom

 

Today's Readings

(Audio)

Since the bridegroom was long delayed,
they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. The LORD Jesus wants to teach us how to rely on the Spirit even when our own strength fails.

but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.

We need to be wise when we are awake. Then we will be prepared when we fall asleep in spite of ourselves. Wisdom in this case means having our priorities sufficiently straight that we acquire the oil that lights up our darkness. The foolish doubtlessly realize that such oil is important. Probably they are planning to get it tomorrow or the next day, which turns out to be too late.

While they went off to buy it,
the bridegroom came
and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.

We need to seek to be filled with the oil of gladness, the Holy Spirit.

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah (see First Samuel 16:13).

You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions (see Psalm 45:7)

To grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified (see Isaiah 61:3).

There is really no limit on how much of this oil we can receive. God "does not ration his gift of the Spirit" (see John 3:34). This is the Spirit who calls out from within drawing us toward a life of purity and holiness. He draws us away from immorality and lustful passion toward holiness and honor. We need therefore only be wise enough to know the value of this anointing.

But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge (see First John 2:20).

If we know it, we know to seek it, and to rely on it. When we rely on it we find that even when we ourselves are weak and fall asleep the LORD's light still brings us safely to the wedding feast.

Light dawns for the just;
and gladness, for the upright of heart.
Be glad in the LORD, you just,
and give thanks to his holy name.