Why Do You Need Oil?

Let's look at the parable of the last times, spoken in Matthew 25:1-12. It was told by Jesus in the context of the narrative about prophetic events at the end of the world and about the destruction of Jerusalem. The Lord combined two descriptions, making it clear that there would be similarities between them. At the end of history, what happened at the beginning of Christianity will be repeated. In the parable of the 10 virgins, the idea of watchfulness and the presence of oil in the lamp is vividly expressed. But it's worth understanding what the oil for the lamp is, and what it cannot be. Since oil is a symbol of something, it cannot be an ordinary substance that is poured into the burner. It's also important to figure out whether oil is something or someone. If it's someone, how can it be bought or stocked up? Many questions arise that are difficult to answer. Usually, they say it's a symbol of the Holy Spirit. As far as I know, the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person and manifests His power in many visible qualities of character in the spiritual and mental sphere. It's difficult for me to imagine how one can stock up on Him. It is written that "The Spirit breathes where it wishes." If we talk about human behavior, it is expressed in the fruit of the Spirit or in the deeds of the flesh.

If oil is Jesus, then even more questions arise. How can I fill the lamp with Him? And how to set Him aside in reserve? And what does this mean?

And about God the Father, I won't even speak. And at the same time, we read that God is in us, and Jesus is in us, and we are in Him, and the Spirit of God is in us. And I understand that we are talking about my consciousness and heart, which are united into one whole with my Savior, and the Holy Spirit reveals Christ to me, and me to Him.

But if I try to explain all this through human logic, I will confuse myself and confuse others.

The Faithful Witness offers to buy goods in which I see God with the eyes of faith. But God is not for sale. And acquiring what is offered, I remain human. But why should I pay for this?

We see that throughout the history of Christianity, God gives everything for free, but at the very end, He changes the program of action and starts selling. And asks for a lot. That is my essence, that I don't always appreciate what I get for free, but I usually buy what is important to me and what I need.

And how can I figure all this out?

Here's an excerpt from "Testimonies for the Church":

"The True Witness counsels us to buy of Him gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and eyesalve. The gold here recommended as having been tried in the fire is faith and love. It enriches the heart, for it has been purged until it is pure, and the more it is tested the more brilliant is its luster. The white raiment is purity of character, the righteousness of Christ imparted to the sinner. This is indeed a garment of heavenly texture, that can be bought only of Christ for a life of willing obedience. The eyesalve is that wisdom and grace which enables us to discern between the evil and the good, and to detect sin under any guise. God has given His church eyes which He requires them to anoint with wisdom, that they may see clearly; but many would put out the eyes of the church if they could; for they would not have their deeds come to the light, lest they should be reproved. The divine eyesalve will impart clearness to the understanding. Christ is the depositary of all graces. He says: 'Buy of Me.'" (4T, p.88)

Buying is only the first step. You also need to learn how to use it and win.

Let me give you an example. I bought the best welding machine that can do everything. I dream of becoming a welder. And, bringing my purchase home, I began to understand the device of this instrument. It turns out there are so many programs and settings that I don't understand. I started looking for information on YouTube and realized that welding is a whole science with its own laws and secrets, which you can't learn at once. I need advice from experienced specialists, and this takes time. And I have no time. I thought that just having the coolest welding machine would make me a specialist in welding, but I was mistaken in my self-confidence. And to take welding courses, I need to enroll in school, study for the allotted time and pass exams. As a result, the new device lies in a dusty corner as a witness to my ignorance.

Understanding what oil for the lamp is, I decide to buy it. I buy it. It's mine, and what's next? And then what happened is what I see in the parable: the wise girls began to study and stock up on this oil, spend their time and money on a deeper knowledge of this science, and the unwise virgins acquired something and calmed down on this. And it's sad that none of the foolish girls had a new saving message.

Although they knew where the filling station was, they thought they would always have time to acquire the necessary knowledge and experience. However, they were mistaken. And these were not people from the world, but God's children who were preparing to become the bride of Christ and enter the wedding feast with Him.

The importance of the message to Laodicea and the parable of the 10 virgins is colossal! And those who began to delve into these narratives and draw treasures of revelations from them felt the influence of the teaching power of the Holy Spirit on themselves.

I don't set myself the task of conveying the meaning and proving to you the essence of these descriptions, but I really want to convince you that they are not just written in the Bible. They are extremely important and necessary for us right now, while it's not too late to change something.

I have experience explaining these messages to different people. And I noticed that those who have ears immediately pay attention to God's message, and the Holy Spirit begins to personally reveal to them what they need to know. But there are also those who immediately forget what it's about, or have no interest in it. God forbids me to annoy such people. And how I want to convince the skeptic and prove to him that being happy and loving is a huge advantage given by God. However, it's impossible to force someone to become like that.

Do you hear many calls and sermons about oil for your lamp? Is no one really interested in what you have in stock? Why isn't this topic dug so deeply to grasp its meaning and importance? After all, if I don't have what God offers, I won't derive any benefit from everything else. And this means that I will not endure the trials of the last days, and the mark of the beast will become mine, if not in mind, then in deed. Aren't you scared of such a turn of events, friends? Maybe it's worth thinking about what God advises? Maybe we should allocate time to learn how to use His gifts? Moreover, the Teacher Himself is standing at the door and knocking.

The value of the offered goods is also determined by the fact that they improve the quality of life, give hope for a better fate, open Heavenly perspectives and show a beautiful future that awaits the winners. These acquisitions lift me above the cares of this world. And how can those who have no weapons or don't know how to use them win? Such a person will lose and won't rise anywhere. And if I decide that I, like a hedgehog, can protect myself with my prickles, then this is not a victory, but a game of hide-and-seek inside myself, but I need to learn to fly. For a hedgehog to fly, wings of faith are needed. And someone is waiting for a kick. Both will fly. But with what result? And what do you choose?

Questions for reflection on this chapter:

1. Please read Revelation 3:18; Matthew 25:1-13; 1 Peter 1:6-8; Galatians 5:6; 6:6; Psalm 12:6; 66:10; 119:127; John 15:5-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Colossians 3:3,12-17; 2 Corinthians 5:17 in light of this chapter.

2. What did you understand from this chapter?

3. What warning from God in the parable of the ten virgins did you hear?

4. How do you understand what oil is?

5. Explain how oil is related to goods from the Laodicean store?

6. Why are we offered to buy these goods, and not just take them?

7. What do the symbols of oil and lamp mean to you?

8. Did you notice that oil is sold, and Laodicean goods are also sold? Is there any similarity in this?

9. What is the value of the offered goods?

10. How to win, whom to win, and why do you need to win?

11. Do you have an interest in a deeper study of the narratives about the last time?

12. Is everything clear to you in the parable of the ten virgins?

13. Do you know the correct answer to what oil for the lamp is, and what it is not?

14. Do you have any questions on the topic being studied?

15. Is it really important to know what oil is?