"Go to Those Who Sell and Buy for Yourselves"

Reading the parable of the ten virgins, we see the advice of the wise virgins who knew where to acquire oil for their lamps and collectively told their foolish companions that they should finally buy it. But from the further narrative, we see that it was already too late.

The foolish girls knew where they needed to go, but they were not in a hurry, postponing this activity for the future. And by some strange coincidence, all the virgins fell asleep. What is this sleep? Apparently, something not quite right happened, and moreover, to everyone. Even the wise virgins fell into this state. But the wise turned out to be more far-sighted and made a reserve for themselves, which soon came in handy. The opportunity to buy oil was available to everyone, but some neglected it, considering it not so important and necessary. The call sounded constantly, and this told the virgins that it would always be so, that there was no need to hurry, that there was still time. However, the parable shows that not everyone managed to do this. A very sad story.

I'll be honest, I never associated myself with the foolish virgins, even when I was like them. And now I don't really like their company. But wisdom is determined not by how I evaluate my position, but by the presence of oil in my lamp and the amount of this substance I have in reserve.

I know where they sell oil. I know what it is. I understand who advises me to buy it and what varieties of this oil exist. I have repeatedly heard the Seller knocking on the closed doors of my heart. And I always thought that there was no need to hurry, 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, blessings. I am in the true church and clearly understand this, and even pride myself on it, considering other people deceived. It sounded something like: "Sorry, Lord, I have so much to do for You that I simply have no time for You." To which He sadly replied that He perfectly understands me and has always been interested in when He could come. I clearly remember His sad eyes, His sad smile. And the time will come when I will definitely understand that I missed something valuable in my life.

And life continues. From all sides, wonderful advice comes about how to improve service, how to buy oil, how to get to know the Seller better, how not to fall asleep, how... And all this pours out on me in such abundance that I don't know what to do. And the Seller Himself constantly comes and knocks. I sometimes let Him into the hallway of my house, and He always hints that He would not mind eating with me. I'll be direct – His oil is wonderful. I sometimes buy a little to keep my lamp from going out, but I consider stocking up incorrect. And this little bit costs nothing. I receive oil by His mercy as a gift. But a stock of oil is very expensive. I have to pay a very high price for it, giving away all the treasures of my heart stored in the dark rooms of the house of my soul, where the Seller always wants to look. And I know that not everything is in order there, but I postpone the deal for later.

I know where the sellers are. I know where the store is. I don't quite understand what goods are being offered to me, but I have learned the names and the course of the transaction by heart. The world in which I work is so beautiful. It has so many prospects, so many teachings about the Seller, so many opportunities for service, that sometimes I don't 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 all languages. There are countless sermons on YouTube on any topic. And all this is like gas stations for me. And I won't say that I'm sleeping. I have no time to sleep. There's not even enough time for sleep.

And the wise sisters tell about how they communicate with the Seller, about what they bought from Him. They talk about how He constantly comes to them for dinner, and they dine together. I understand that they are very closely acquainted, and this acquaintance is reflected in their characters. But the sisters' stories are enough for me to get to know the Seller better. I am informed about His characteristics in all details, and there is nothing 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 up to Him. Because if you give Him a little finger, He will take the whole hand, and with it, all of you. And I understand that He wants to own all my property, giving His goods in return. But I'll deal with this exchange later; now it is necessary to do something important, something special. I still have so much time to go and buy. And these wise virgins have enough oil in reserve, and they will always be able to share it if a need arises. We often spend time together, we share experiences. Only these smart ones constantly talk about gold refined in fire, boast about their new white clothes and eye cream, as if there are no other topics of conversation. Sometimes it even starts to annoy. They consult the Seller on any issue, as if they cannot decide anything themselves. These virgins have only one thing on their mind: gold, clothing, ointment. And it's hard to argue with them because you understand that you lack what they are talking about. The Seller calls these wise virgins regular customers and gives them good discounts. It seems that He knows them all very well, and so closely that they seem like one family. But I also find it interesting with them. They sincerely love me and constantly talk about it. I think there is something special in this oil. Yes, I will definitely buy it, but a little later. And I will probably get to know the Seller better, I have heard so much good about Him.

And for now, I'll go to sleep, it seems everyone has already fallen asleep. Time is needed for rest too. Sweet is the sleep of the laborer. Good night, dear friends.

How I love silence. I immerse myself in the world of dreams.

What is this cry? What is this noise? The Bridegroom is coming? Why so late? Oh yes, He said He would come like a thief in the night. Finally. Now we'll adjust our lamps and go to meet Him. So, there's little oil, or rather, none at all. "Friends, please share some oil with me!!!"

"How can we not run out ourselves? You should have thought about me!"

"Okay, I'll run and quickly buy some. Tell the Bridegroom to wait for us!"

To make it in time. Well, as always, so many things to do. Why didn't I buy the oil earlier? There was an opportunity. Well, okay, we'll break through, we've solved worse things. Especially since the Bridegroom is our own Person, kind and patient, He'll wait, where will He go without us, after all, we bear His name, serve Him, and belong to Him.

So, the shop is closed. No Seller. I'll try to beg something from the loaders. Triple the price? Daylight robbery!!! Well, okay, nothing to do, I need to make it to the celebration, or they won't let me in without a lamp and wedding clothes. How beautiful this oil is, and why didn't I take it earlier? Now I wouldn't be running like a madman.

Everything, I have a supply, running to meet the bridegroom.

Here, I see the beginning of the celebration. How interesting it is! I'm sorry for this world that it did not believe in this event. But it has come. How beautiful! I have joy, and the world has horror.

So, the doors are closing! "Stop!!! Wait!!!"

I don't understand why they closed. Open up!!! It's me! Don't you know me? Lord, it's me!!!

How terrible! I did not expect such a turn of events. What to do? It's already too late. How so?

Reflection Questions for this Chapter

1. Please read this chapter and in light of this chapter read Zechariah 1:3-4; Matthew 7:22-23; Acts 19:2; Jeremiah 25:4.

2. What did you understand from this chapter?

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

4. Do I understand the importance of preparing right now?

5. What awaits me if I do not have time to prepare?

6. What does oil in the lamp mean? And why can't those who have it give it to me?