Living 4 Him

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.”  Matthew 5:6

For some silly reason, I find such pleasure when I open something for the first time, like a new bottle of shampoo or taking the lid off a new jar of applesauce.  The idea that I have plenty and will not run out for awhile brings me peace and satisfaction.  As Jesus told parables in Jerusalem during the last week of his life, many of the parables alluded to future events that we have not yet witnessed.  It is in one of these parables, the Ten Bridesmaids, where we learn the importance of being filled.

In Matthew 5:1-13 Jesus describes ten bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom on procession day.  To better understand the parable it helps to know the wedding traditions of that time. On the wedding day, the bridegroom met his bride at her house for the ceremony, then a procession followed the couple to the groom’s house for a large feast which sometimes lasted a full week. In the story, the bridegroom is late for the ceremony, and the ten bridesmaids waiting for the procession are hoping to follow in the procession to the wedding banquet.

Five of the bridesmaids were considered foolish because they were unprepared, with hardly any oil in their lamps.  Five of the bridesmaids were described as wise because their lamps were completely full.  So when the bridegroom was delayed, the ones with full lamps had plenty of oil to keep burning.  The unprepared bridesmaids left to get more oil and they missed the arrival of the bridegroom. 

Jesus told this story to illustrate our need to be prepared and watchful as we await his return to earth.  The story further shows that each person is individually responsible for filling their own spiritual tanks.  Serving God in the best way possible means we need to be filled with all that he desires for us.

In 2011, I wrote and self-published (through Westbow Press) a book called Spiritually Fit: God’s Workout for You. https://www.amazon.com/Spiritually-Fit-Gods-Workout-You/dp/1449721524

The book, based on Psalm 105, outlines seven spiritual exercises that fill us and keep us close to our Creator. In Chapter 2, I reference today’s parable with these words: 

This story reminds us to be prepared when Jesus comes, but reflecting on the filling of the lamps gives us an even deeper perspective.  A lamp full of oil will sufficiently sustain us until Jesus comes, however, living in our everyday circumstances drains our oil, and a constant refilling is necessary to faithfully shine our lights.  If our lamps are fairly empty to begin with, they run out quickly and we spend energy and time searching for more oil.  Spiritual exercise is an excellent way to fill our lamps and keep them burning brightly.

The first five verses of Psalm 105 provide a starting point for building up our spiritual tanks; exercises that we can weave into our daily lives: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name.  Make God known. Sing to him, sing praises to him.  Tell of his wonderful acts.  Glory in his holy name.  Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.  Remember the wonderful things God has done.”

Positive spiritual energy is something we not only crave, but something our world could benefit from as well.  We live life better when we are running on full tanks, brimming with God’s best for us.  And when we seek a fulfilling spiritual life, God is more than happy to provide. 

One of my calendars has an inspiring quote from Norman Vincent Peale: “We are all capable of greater things than we realize.” These words are quite true, especially when we tap into the greatness that is within us. 

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in us): Read today’s full parable in Matthew 25:1-13 for further study and reflection. Read Psalm 105:1-5 and think about the best way to fill your spiritual tank. 

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world): The word “fill” makes a meaningful sentence in a prayer.  Use this prayer starter to ask God to fill you.  “Lord God, I need you today.  Please fill me with ___________.”