Daily Lesson for July 11, 2016

Today's Daily Lesson comes from Matthew chapter 25:

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’12 lBut he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

This parable is one of the last things Jesus said in the last week of his life. In a week which began with fanfare and expectation and a sense of imminent salvation on Palm Sunday, Jesus wanted to speak to the disciples about the long night and the long road ahead. Salvation would not come as quick or as easy as some were hoping. This would lead many to a point of despair. Only the ones who endured to the end would be saved.

"Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning" the old spiritual says. This is a song and word for our time.  As our country continues to strive towards Liberty and Justice for all and reconciliation between, Jesus would have us to know just what a long night it may be before the dawn of these things truly comes.  It is a word not only about not giving up, not giving in and especially not giving out. Today is a day for replenishing the oil, for taking the time to gather the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual strength necessary to hold on to our faith, our hope, and our love.

I often quote my grandfather: "Remember son, you can go just as far on a full tank of gas as you can on a half."  That was his dry, West Texas way of telling me to get all the gas I can while I still can.

"Walk together children, don't you get weary," another spiritual says.  The night is dark and the journey is long and we need to be ready.