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Bring More Oil

by Wayne Cordeiro on November 26, 2020

Today's Reading:
Matthew 23,24,25

Scripture

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep.” (Matthew 25:1-5)

Observation

These lessons for me are like the times my mother used to put red iodine on a cut or scrape. It came in a small, smoked-colored bottle with a glass applicator. It would sting at first, but it would kill germs and promote healing. This lesson is sort of like that — because I realize that, at times, I have been more like the foolish attendants than the wise ones. Foolishness says that everything must take place just as they are planned; otherwise, I am stuck. But here’s the lesson: “To plan for things and to prepare for things are vastly different.”

Application

How often I’ve been bruised and scraped when those who were in leadership have changed things or delayed. I blame them and think I am righteous in having done so. After all, it wasn’t my fault! Mistakes that happen when you can prove that it is not your fault is one of the greatest tests of maturity. We are never so vulnerable to being wrong than when we think we are so right. We can blame, speak against someone, excuse our ineptitude, even revile those in authority when things don’t go exactly as promised.

“Now while the bridegroom was delaying …” 

There may be times when we think God has delayed. Here He tells us that it is foolish not to plan for changes and delays. Bring extra oil — the oil of patience, the oil of attitude. Pack extra joy, extra Teflon.

I noticed something else. Later in the verses, when the foolish were locked out, I noticed that the bridegroom didn’t sympathize with them. And the wise that were inside? They didn’t give them extra oil. They instead told them they should have prepared. 

Bring extra oil! 

To your marriage, your ministry, your relationships. Add extra oil to your expectations with your parents, your boss, your clients, and people. If you do, God will call you wise, and you’ll enjoy more of His celebration. You’ll enjoy more of His Presence.

There’s another oil, and it’s a special one. Bring a lot of this kind … “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your companions” (Hebrews 1:9).

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for this invaluable lesson. Help me to “bring extra oil” to my family and ministry today, and with the oil of gladness, I will ever be thankful … not just once a year, but every day!


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