But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ “vs. 9
Matthew 25:8-12
We have to look hard to find any kindness or grace in the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. The wise refuse to share their oil and the door to the wedding banquet is locked tight when the foolish finally arrive. Fortunately, this is not a parable about life in the kingdom of God. Instead it reflects the world’s standards, and in the world we see again and again that when people make foolish decisions they will not be bailed out. They will simply have to bear the consequences of the choices that they have made. It’s one of the hard-nosed arguments that politicians use against the welfare system. And it’s true! Our lack of preparation in any number of areas will often mean that we will miss out on material benefits. The other truth used in this parable is that sometimes when we finally get wise, too much time has passed, and doors are locked against us. That’s one of the lessons that is taught in the school of hard knocks, an academy that is all too familiar to some of us. The good news is that life in Christ is not based on the truths that are used in this parable. As Paul put it, “God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom,” and in Christ the wise will share with the foolish and the door of the heavenly banquet is never locked.
Thought for the Day: Times when I’ve been foolish.
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