"But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps” (Jesus, Matthew 25:4).
When a man comes to Jesus, he learns wisdom. It is wise to take oil in one’s vessel. When one professes to follow Christ, he must have oil. One does not grow if he has no oil, and he prevents others from growing. He takes a diversion from the right path. If a converted person does not bear fruit, there is something very wrong. This shows he has no proper union with Christ. God decided there should be a new heaven and a new earth. Zechariah and Malachi prophesied that the Messiah would come but people did not believe it and ignored it. It is a foolish thing to believe that sin reigns and will continue to reign victoriously. Will you believe darkness is more powerful than light? No. When light comes, darkness flees. Jesus conquered even death.
Some trees can only be used for firewood. They cannot bear fruit. But man is created with the purpose of bearing fruit. He should not amass wealth. Communism is fighting capitalism tooth and nail. "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind” (Isaiah 65:17). God says His word will prevail. Do not doubt the Word of God. Do not run against the Rock. You will be broken. You may gather many degrees and titles for yourself and emptiness in the soul. Dare you think you will be successful in your life without believing the Word of God? No! The people who mocked at my prayer and my love of the Bible in their youth, are now in misery. God has commanded a new world into being. The Bridegroom is preparing Himself. It is up to you to prepare oil.
The call of the Bridegroom will come. He has laid the foundation for the new heaven and the new earth on the cross. Are you building on the Rock? The kingdom of Heaven is within you. Do not look here and there for the Kingdom. If we are divided personalities, hell will find place within us . …
[W]e are afraid of poverty, want, and privation. Great men went through these experiences and came out none the worse. There is wickedness in highly educated circles. Students, when they enter college have faith in God. But by the time they finish their studies and leave college, they have lost their faith and they have no peace. Education will not make us happy. We will be miserable if we do not accept Christ. Why did the Bridegroom lay down this condition that the virgins should come with lamps burning? Are our lamps burning?
New hearts are the beginning of the new earth. New holiness, pure living, new joy and peace and faith! These are the new force of heaven that will be released through your selfless life. This is the meaning of lamps burning. Peace restores and recreates. This is the beginning of the new heaven and the new earth.
Pastor Hsi was working for the Lord in China. Once in one of his meetings two men broke into a fierce quarrel. One threw a knife at the other and the thigh of the other man was cut and bleeding. The people around wanted to kill the man who threw the knife. But Pastor Hsi threw himself into their midst and, speaking words of wisdom, tied up the wound. Peace was restored.
People die early because of quarrels. The tongue turns into a sword when Christ is not in our hearts. When a family knows Jesus, they build the kingdom of God. They bring forth children who rise and shake the world. Susanna and Samuel Wesley brought forth John Wesley who shook England. The call of the Bridegroom cometh! It came to Hudson Taylor, John Bunyan, and John Wesley.
Some may be converted, but have they got the oil that will make their lamps burn? Where will you get the oil? At the feet of Jesus. Go alone there to pray and meditate on the Word of God. Do not seek prominence. If you believe the Word of God, wherever you go, you can breathe peace on people.
We must go to Christ. Do not go against the Rock.
The call will soon sound, "The Bridegroom is coming.” Have you got the faith that shines in darkness? Christ deserves your all. Those who have faith in Him will lack nothing. … The only lack I feel is that, I do not have enough of Christ Himself. I want more of His Spirit. If you and I live like Him, the power of the risen Christ to heal people and to love our enemies will shine forth out of us.
God wants us to be filled with His faith and peace. Our life will create faith in others. … The Bridegroom is calling! Have you oil in your lamp?