January 16, 2021
Psalm 139:1–6, 13–18; 1 Samuel 2:21–25; Matthew 25:1–13
Today we read of Eli’s unfaithful sons, who were supposed to be the priests of the meeting place, and also the parable of the 10 virgins.
The error of the 5 foolish ones was not in their desire to see the bridegroom, but in their lack of preparation, their lack of commitment perhaps. The difference may be that of hearing of Jesus and thinking, “Yes, that sounds nice I may as well sign on to that one” as opposed to the one who realizes that following Jesus requires something of you.
One must act differently in response to God’s call, it isn’t enough to have heard the call and merely think pleasantly on that memory. Not even if you were priest of the meeting place of God would that be “enough” unless it affects your behavior.
To affirm this is not to say that works save, never that. But when God wants to save you, to redeem you, God wants to save all of you. And to hold back your actions, behaviors, or works is to not repent and believe. You don’t have to have done everything right, but if you’re serious about grabbing the lamp, grab the oil too.
