1. The waiting ten virgins (1-5)

Jesus, the Bridegroom, will surely come and bring his kingdom. How then should we live? In this parable, ten girls went out to meet the bridegroom. They all took lamps full of oil, but five of them took extra oil, just in case he was delayed. The extra oil is persevering, committed faith--faith that doesn't give up when the night is long and the going gets tough.

2. The Bridegroom comes (6-13)

At midnight there was a joyful shout: 'The Bridegroom is coming!' But the five foolish girls were out of oil. They asked the wise ones to share, but they were refused. One must meet Jesus with his own faith--no one can borrow the faith of another. While the foolish girls were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived, went in, and closed the door. They missed their chance to meet him and they missed the banquet.

Application: Lord, I love you. You are my true Husband and Friend and Savior. Help me to persevere in faith and in love with a prepared heart as I await your coming.
One Word: Take your own oil