Lesson 80. “But Go Ye Rather to Them That Sell, and Buy for Yourselves”

As we read the parable of the ten virgins, we see the counsel of the wise virgins, who knew where oil for the lamp could be obtained. Together, they told their foolish friends that they should finally go and buy it. But from the rest of the story, we see that it was already too late.

The foolish young women knew where they needed to go, but they were in no hurry and postponed this matter until the future. Then, by a strange coincidence, all the virgins fell asleep. What kind of sleep was this? Apparently, something was not entirely right—and this happened to everyone. Even the wise virgins entered this state. But the wise proved more farsighted and prepared a reserve that soon became extremely useful to them. Everyone had the opportunity to buy oil, but some neglected it, considering it neither very important nor necessary. The call sounded continually, and this suggested to the virgins that it would always continue, that there was no need to hurry, and that there was still time. Yet the parable shows that not everyone managed to do it in time. It is a very sad story.

I will honestly admit that I never associated myself with the foolish virgins, even when I was one of them. Even now, I do not particularly like their company. But wisdom is determined not by how I evaluate my own condition, but by the presence of oil in my lamp and the amount of it that I have in reserve.

I know where oil is sold. I know what it is. I understand Who counsels me to buy it and what varieties of this oil exist. Many times, I have heard the Seller knocking at the closed doors of my heart. Yet it always seemed to me that there was no need to hurry and that this was not the most important thing. After all, there are so many interesting and necessary things, so many different teachings, ministries, experiences with God, revelations, and blessings. I am in the true church, and I clearly understand this. I am even proud of it, considering other people deceived. It sounded approximately like this: “Forgive me, Lord, but I have so much to do for You that I simply have no time for You.” He would sadly reply that He understood me perfectly and would always ask when He might come. I remember His sorrowful eyes and sad smile very well. The time will come when I will finally understand that I missed something precious in my life.

But life continues. From every direction come wonderful suggestions about how to improve ministry, how to buy oil, how to become better acquainted with the Seller, how not to fall asleep, how to... All of this pours upon me in such abundance that I do not know what to do. The Seller Himself also keeps coming and knocking. Sometimes I let Him into the entryway of my house, and He always hints that He would not mind eating with me. I will say it plainly: His oil is wonderful. From time to time, I buy a little so that my lamp will not go out, but I consider it wrong to accumulate a reserve. This small amount costs nothing. By His mercy, I receive the oil as a gift. But a reserve of oil is very expensive. I must pay a very high price for it by giving up all the treasures of my heart, which are stored in the dark rooms of the house of my soul—rooms into which the Seller is always so eager to look. I know that everything there is not in order, but I postpone the transaction until later.

I know where those who sell are. I know where the store is. I do not fully understand what goods are being offered to me, but I have memorized their names and the entire transaction process. The world in which I labor is so beautiful. It contains so many prospects, so many teachings about the Seller, and so many opportunities for ministry that sometimes I do not understand why oil for the lamp is needed at all when everything is already clear and understandable. Any definition can be found on Wikipedia. Any Bible verse can be read in different translations and in every language. There are countless sermons on YouTube about every subject. All of these things are like filling stations for me. And I would not say that I am sleeping. I have no time to sleep. There is not even enough time for sleep.

The wise sisters tell me about their fellowship with the Seller and what they bought from Him. They tell how He continually comes to supper with them and how they dine together. I understand that they know Him very closely, and this acquaintance is reflected in their characters. But the sisters’ stories are enough for me; through them, I become better acquainted with the Seller. I know every detail about His qualities, and nothing is hidden from me. Although the Seller Himself knows me and my address, I would not say that He knows me closely. There is simply no time to open myself to Him. If you give Him your little finger, He will take your whole hand—and with it, your entire being. I understand that He wants to possess all my property, giving His goods in exchange. But I will deal with this exchange later. Right now, something important and special must be done. I still have so much time to go and buy. Besides, these wise virgins have enough oil in reserve and can always share it if a need suddenly arises. We often spend time together and share our experiences. But these clever women constantly talk about gold tried in the fire, boast about their new white garments and eyesalve, as though there were no other subjects to discuss. Sometimes it even begins to irritate me. They consult the Seller about every matter, as though they were incapable of deciding anything for themselves. These virgins have only three things on their minds: gold, clothing, and ointment. It is difficult to argue with them because you understand that you yourself lack the very things they are talking about. The Seller calls these wise virgins His regular customers and gives them good discounts. It seems that He knows them all very well—so closely that they appear to be one family. Yet I also find it interesting to be with them. They sincerely love me and continually tell me so. I think there is something special in this oil. Yes, I will definitely buy it—but a little later. And I will probably become better acquainted with the Seller as well, since I have heard so many good things about Him.

For now, I will go to sleep. It seems that everyone is already asleep. I need time to rest as well. The sleep of a laboring man is sweet. Good night, dear friends.

How I love the silence. I sink into the world of dreams.

What is that cry? What is that noise? The Bridegroom is coming? Why so late? Yes, of course—He said that He would come as a thief in the night. Well, at last! Now we will trim our lamps and go out to meet Him. Wait—there is very little oil. More precisely, there is none at all. “Friends, please share a little oil with me!!!”

“What do you mean, there will not be enough for you and for us? You should have thought about me too!”

“All right, I will run and buy some quickly. Tell the Bridegroom to wait for us!”

If only I can make it in time. As always, there are so many things to do. Why did I not buy this oil earlier? I had the opportunity. Well, never mind, I will manage somehow. I have solved harder problems than this. Besides, the Bridegroom is One of us—kind and patient. He will wait. Where could He go without us? After all, we bear His Name, serve Him, and belong to Him.

The shop is closed. The Seller is not here. I will try to beg something from the workers. Three times the price? Highway robbery!!! Well, there is nothing else I can do. I must reach the celebration in time, because no one will be admitted without a lamp and a wedding garment. How beautiful this oil is! Why did I not take it earlier? Then I would not be running around frantically now.

All right, I have a reserve. I am running to meet the Bridegroom.

There—I can see the beginning of the celebration. How fascinating it is! I feel sorry for this world because it did not believe that this event would take place. But it has come. How beautiful! For me it is joy, but for the world it is terror.

The doors are closing! “Stop!!! Wait!!!”

I do not understand why they closed them. Open the door!!! It is I! You do not know me? Lord, it is me!!!

How terrifying! I did not expect events to unfold this way. What can I do? It is already too late. How can this be?

1. Please read this lesson and, in its light, read Zechariah 1:3–4; Matthew 7:22–23; Acts 19:2; and Jeremiah 25:4.

2. What did you understand from this lesson?

3. Who are the virgins? In which group of virgins am I? What should I do about this?

4. Do I understand the importance of preparing now?

5. What awaits me if I fail to prepare in time?

6. What does the oil in the lamp represent, and why can those who possess it not give it to me?