|
The majority of the
body of Christ is familiar with the parable of the wise virgins found in
Matthew 25. Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins who took
their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five were wise, because
they not only took their lamps, but also oil in their vessels. The five
foolish took their lamps but had no oil with them. While numerous
teachings have been offered about the virgins, a little background
history is helpful in understanding the role of the bridegroom.
Traditionally, once
a Jewish couple became engaged, the groom returned to his father’s
house to prepare a place for his bride. When the father approved of the
living quarters, he released the son to go and get his bride to bring
her back to live. The groom would take his friends and would leave at
night to gather up his bride...they could be seen coming in the night
with their torches against the darkened sky.
The Bridegroom flag
symbolizes the torch of our heavenly Bridegroom against the midnight sky
coming for His bride, the church. His love for her burns like a fire as
was proven on Calvary.
Lord, our hearts
are ablaze with love for You. We are filled with passion and desire to
be with You. May the fire of Your love cleanse us and make us ready for
Your return, holy and without blemish (Eph. 5:27). Holy Spirit fill us
with the oil of Your presence. Search our hearts for anything that is
not of You. Cause us to keep our wicks trimmed and to be ready for Your
return by being quick to repent for our sins. May we also keep our wicks
trimmed by continuing to worship You --- celebrating in faith the
promise of Your return, never becoming tired, disillusioned or
discouraged by the wait, but always praising You as our Desire
Fulfilled.
|
