Time For An Oil Change

TITLE: TIME FOR AN OIL CHANGE

SCRIPTURE: ST. MATTHEW 25:1-13

I sat in Sherman, TX on Wednesday to have my vehicle serviced. It was just that time, especially when I saw a code appear on the screen saying only had 20% Oil Life remaining. I do realize, as you do, that the engine in our vehicle is a pretty complex machine. It has numerous moving parts that are all under intense stress. Nevertheless, the motor provides the power to transport you and your vehicle down the highway. Therefore, when your car engine needs oil to function correctly, it is vital to get regular oil changes.

• When oil gets old, it loses its effectiveness

As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual.

• How do you gauge your spiritual strength?

• Are you thriving or surviving?

• As believers, we need fresh oil!

Before we delve into the Scriptures, let's take a moment to understand the metaphor of the lamp and oil.

• In biblical times, lamps were essential sources of light

• They provided illumination and guidance in the darkness

• Oil, on the other hand, was the fuel that sustained the lamp's flame

• Without oil, the lamp would flicker and eventually go out, leaving one in darkness

In a spiritual context, the lamp represents our faith, while the oil symbolizes our relationship with God and our spiritual preparedness. The challenge for us to examine the state of our faith and our closeness to God.

Oil in the Bible is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, and the word ‘Anoint’ means to “Pour Over” and “To Smear Into.”

• So, anointing with oil represents the Holy Spirit poured out and smeared into God’s child

• The anointing is the specific application of the Holy Spirit on an individual, bringing transformation and enablement

• That’s why we now here people say ‘The Oil is on Him/Her’ when they encounter someone operating in the power of the Holy Spirit

In this Gospel reading, Jesus shares the narrative of the parable of the ten bridesmaids. Some had extra oil as they waited for the wedding to start. But the others ran out of oil and never made it into the wedding. This narrative is a parable Jesus told to get his followers to prepare for His return. He tells us in ST. MATTHEW 24:44 “SO YOU MUST BE READY BECAUSE THE SON OF MAN WILL COME AT AN HOUR WHEN YOU DO NOT EXPECT HIM.”

As we read in this Bible narrative, those who are wise have lamps full of fresh oil.

• In other words, they are filled with the Holy Spirit and are ready for Christ’s return

• The foolish have a lamp, but they are out of oil, meaning they lack the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives

• Therefore, they aren’t ready for Jesus to return

• Are you among those who are Wise or those who are Foolish?

In this parable of the wise and foolish virgins, the oil is often assumed to represent God's Spirit, yet it indicates much more.

• Oil symbolizes HEALTH – WEALTH - FRUITFULNESS - ABUNDANCE – VITALITY - THE GOOD LIFE

• For people in the Middle East, oil had the value of gold

• Oil played a major role in the transforming of Jacob from a Scoundrel to a Patriarch

In our text, ten bridesmaids wait for the groom so the party may begin. Five women were wise, and five were foolish. It sounds like a metaphor for America after this last election. Half of America is looking at the other half with incomprehension, thinking how utterly foolish and immoral the other side is. I’d like to think I am with the wise half, but no matter how certain, I’m disconcerted about where we are. I wonder, have we lost our empathy for foolish people.

In this parable, the ten virgins represent us, the believers, waiting for the bridegroom, who symbolizes Christ's return.

• The lamps are our faith

• The oil represents our spiritual preparedness

The consequences of unpreparedness are clear in this parable. The foolish virgins, despite their initial faith and anticipation, missed out on the joyous celebration because they had neglected to ensure their lamps had enough oil. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual preparedness. Now, let's unpack what the oil symbolizes in our lives.

• The oil represents not only faith but also the depth of our relationship with God

• Just as oil sustains the flame of the lamp, our connection with God fuels and strengthens our faith

• Without this relationship, our faith can wither and dim

PSALM 119:105 reminds us of the role of God's Word in maintaining our spiritual oil -- "YOUR WORD IS A LAMP FOR MY FEET, A LIGHT ON MY PATH." Regularly immersing ourselves in Scripture and seeking a deeper relationship with God through prayer and worship is essential to keep our lamps burning brightly.