Reading Matt 22:44-25:46, explaining the Messiah is the Son of Man, yet Lord. Was struck by the phrase "Lord, Lord..." and "I never knew you" (Matt 7:21-24, 22:44,25:11)
The Lamp of faith is to hold oil and be used.
Joyful oil in the work: Matthew 7:24 - Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Joyful oil in the Spirit, a song in my heart: Psalm 45:7-8 - You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy. All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad
- Joyful oil in the lamp for righteousness: Matthew 7:23 - And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.
What does it mean to "regard iniquity in my heart"? It means to keep a sin in one's heart, being unwilling to part with it. Such a person knows something is a sin, yet he continues to cherish it. It is not only a weakness in conduct or appearance but also a craving in the heart. (Sin must be confessed and forsaken, Proverbs 28:13) You must tell the Lord, "I have regarded a sin in my heart. I cannot give it up. I ask You to forgive me. I want to forsake this sin. Please deliver me from this sin. Do not let this sin remain in me. I do not want it. I want to reject it." If you confess to the Lord this way, the Lord will forgive; you will receive forgiveness (and faith, grace and mercy to follow through).
Pulpit Commentary:
...The contrast between the two classes seems to lie in the foresight of the one and the negligent carelessness of the other. It has been common from early times to find in the lamps the symbol of faith, in the oil the good works that proceed therefrom. The wise virgins exercise their faith in charity and good works; the foolish profess, indeed, the faith of Christ but carry it not out to the production of the good works in which God ordained that they should walk (Ephesians 2:10) ...the right solution is to be found in regarding the oil as symbolical of the Holy Spirit, or the graces of God. This is a truly scriptural notion, as declared by the use of this substance in holy rites. Accepting this view, we should say that the ten virgins had so far alike taken and used the grace of God, but that they differed in this - that, while the wise maintained the supply of grace by constant recourse to the means thereof, the foolish were satisfied with their spiritual state once for all, and took no pains to keep their spiritual life healthful and active by the renewal of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. They retained the outward show and form of faith, but neglected the true inward life of faith; they had the appearance without the reality.
In reading this I see two paths, marked by words. One path branches out into "life in the fullest" and the other leads only to hell. Words leading to hell are ignorance, foolishness, neglect... the other knowing Jesus, wisdom, care. The Life in the fullest branches creates a strong mesh, fabric - new clothes. Clothes that fit perfectly, the right clothes for the job, joy with humility. The path that leads to hell leaves us is inappropriately dressed, embarrassed, and shameful.
Proverbs 11:12 : When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
1 Peter 5:5 : Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Thank you lord for my time on the Alpha board. For Brittany, Pete, Joe and Peggy, Matt and Lindsey, Adam, and Brandi. For those who came before us and those who will come after us. May God's grace continue to reach more and more as we distribute his grace in various forms. Amen.
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