Ten Prepared Virgins
But What Happened To Five Of Them?
Issue of Concern:
God’s Word states all ten virgins were awaiting the Bridegroom’s return, yet five were turned away. What is the significance of this, assuming we care enough about this odd event of half of them failing to make it to the celebration?
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Matthew 25:1-13 (NKJV; emphasis ours)
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The signs were such that people knew the Bridegroom was coming soon. Most didn’t even care because they didn’t want Him. Some, though, did care. This story is about them—ten who were anticipating the return of the King … the coming of their Bridegroom.
Recalling what had taken place about a year ago—the scrolling apart of the skies whereby the throne room was visible and the One sitting on the throne and the Lamb were seen from a distance by all—Kirsten rehearsed with Sarah what had taken place since that time.
“Do you remember Karen and Lisa? They were so ready to meet their Lord. I remember the day they went back into the city to try to sell the remainder of their now unimportant worldly belongings. They both looked so frightened. I can still see Karen’s face—fear was clearly visible in her gaze. You know, it’s been over a month since that time and they still haven’t returned. I wonder what’s become of them.” Sarah was crying. After a few minutes of silence, she managed to collect enough composure to respond.
“I know. They were so beautiful. I remember Lisa telling me why she didn’t have what she needed in order to endure this final season. Did she ever tell you, Kirsten?”
“No, she never did, but I’m sure interested in hearing. Please tell me!”
Sarah took a deep breath and continued. Struggling to get the words out due to the degree of emotional pain, she said, “Lisa was one of those who had believed the teaching that we didn’t have to worry about this time because it didn’t apply to us. She said she would never, ever betray her Lord, but was so devastated by this unexpected delay that she was clearly not prepared for these past months. She didn’t fault the Lord or His Word like the other three who were initially with us had. She understood it was the fault of false Christian teachers who were to be blamed. And yet, she too confessed she was also responsible for her decision to accept the prophecy teachings in vogue—teachings so many thought true, but have actually been lies of the wicked one all along. Wow!”
“I wish they’d come back.” Kirsten cried.
“I hope they’re okay,” Sarah followed.
At this juncture, Tanya walked in the room and immediately discerned the topic of conversation. “I’ve heard from Joanne that the other three who left us were so offended by the event of our Rapture failing to occur that they’ve already joined the system. Interrupting, Sandy, who had been sleeping in the corner bunk, said with a voice-altering lump in her throat, “And you know, I’ve spent hours in thought over this. When the time of accounting comes, what will they say to Him?” The others knew she, too, was also weeping inside for their former friends.
All four of the five present in the room that hour—those who had made proper preparations (Joanne was not present during this verbal exchange between Kirsten, Sarah, Tanya and Sandy)—found their spirits could not shake the haunting thought that they were, all ten of them, actual fulfillments of Matthew 25—ten virgins so looking forward to the glorious coming of their Bridegroom: five virgins adequately prepared; five who, due to lack of adequate preparation, missed the awesome wedding banquet. Once again, silence filled the room.
There were other virgins awaiting the return of the Bridegroom that season. Their story is yet to be told.
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We who are in Jesus Christ and awaiting His return are the virgins. Scripture says some of those waiting will not get in due to their lack of proper preparations. Our simple appeal is this: We all must continue to go to the Word of God and study the end-time passages in order to be better informed whereby we can all make adequate preparations, for our coming Bridegroom has, in His betrothal with us, asked on multiple occasions that we do so.
If we neglect the passages God has graciously given us for the purpose of better discerning the many false teachings that are currently being propagated today, will we not be making a conscious choice toward casting aside one crucial means He has provided to help us avoid becoming deceived?