Tag: Parable

They will progressively make themselves ready for the wedding and the difficult times that precede it. Their focus will not be on maintaining the status quo, or grasping for normalcy as this fallen world is crumbling. Nor will they bury their heads in the sand so that they can continue to “eat and drink” saying: “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!” The foolish virgins keep one foot in Egypt where they are treasuring up their wealth, where they find their security, and where they can enjoy the pleasures of eating and drinking and entertainment. They do not value the eternal things above the temporal things. They do not know the power of God or really trust His promises. So their focus becomes striving to maintain their own comfort or living standard. In many cases this involves trying to prop up “Pharaoh” through political activism that they piously call “patriotism.” But the wise virgins cannot keep one foot in Egypt, but cross the Red Sea into the wilderness leaving Egypt behind, heading for the Promised Land without looking back. Like Abraham, they must choose to leave their uncooperative family members and friends behind in Ur, trodding in the footsteps of Abraham, living as foreigners and pilgrims, waiting on God with their eyes fixed on the Promised Land. The wise virgins follow the many examples in Hebrews 11 of those who trusted God and blindly obeyed His seemingly foolish commands, while “looking unto the Founder and Finisher of the Faith – Jesus,” in order to endure the coming hardship. These are the ones who will rejoice in the Kingdom.