August 28

Text: Matthew 25:5-7

"Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep.  But at midnight there was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'  Then all those virgins rose, and trimmed their lamps. (NASB)

In contrast to today, things were quite different 2000 years ago!  Even today, if we go to a place where artificial lighting is expensive (no electric generators and kerosene is rare and often not available), most activities are confined to sunlight.  Even night activities are commonly confined to the first two or three hours after sunset.  Darkness is for sleeping—a midnight activity is rare and unusual.

The unmarried ladies did what they usually did—they went to sleep.  Note they were not condemned for doing so!  All ten knew there was no way to predict the coming of the bridegroom.

At the unthinkable hour of midnight the person in charge announced the bridegroom was coming.  The shout would be notification to the guests to prepare quickly for the honor of welcoming the bridegroom.

The primary preparation these ten ladies had to make was preparing their lamps to provide maximum light.  Perhaps that was what they were to bring to the celebration—light.

Those who follow Christ bring light to all of life—not just to periods of worship or Bible study.

Suggestion for reflection: How do you bring light to life?  (Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.)