Gospel Reflections #831: Not just works but the Holy Spirit

Matthew 25:6 "Here comes the bridegroom! Go out to meet him."

This is part of the parable of the ten virgins.

All those awaiting the heavenly Bridegroom are depicted in the parable as sleeping.

The wise virgins had prepared oil in their lamps along with their lamps.

The foolish virgins had only prepared their lamps.

If the "lamp" represents our "deeds and works" and the "oil" represents the "Holy Spirit," then the foolish virgins were doing God's work but were not filled with the Holy Spirit.

God tells us we must receive the Holy Spirit daily, but if the master's arrival is delayed too long, we may grow weary of waiting and lose awareness of the Holy Spirit.

Are we prepared like the wise virgins, ready for the master's return at any moment?

"Preparation" here means having sufficient "the lubricant of our relationship with God," rather than just deeds or works.

With this, our deeds and works will naturally be guided by the Holy Spirit and shine brightly.

So, what should we do if we realize we lack this?

First, recognize that this awareness comes from the Holy Spirit's work. When you realize your lack, don't become discouraged or give up. Instead, honestly share your current state with God and ask Him for help and wisdom.

As long as we believe in and rely on God, He will never say He "doesn't know" us.

Moreover, our God will never look away from us or abandon us. He is the One who will surely prepare everything we need until He comes to welcome us, so please don't try to manage everything on your own!

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.