day no. 15,704: equally in need of oil

In commenting on the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-12, Jonathan Edwards said,

"When the bridegroom comes, the foolish virgins stand in as much need of oil as the wise at the beginning." -- Jonathan Edwards, Ruth's Resolution in Selected Sermons of Jonathan Edwards edited by H. Norman Gardiner

Everyone needs oil, wise and foolish alike. The wise cannot substitute their wisdom for oil. It won't keep their lamps lit. But it can secure the oil that keeps a lamp lit in order to have it when it is required. The foolish too needed oil, but by the time they took that need seriously, time to acquire it had ran out. They were barred from entering the wedding feast for waiting until it was too late to acquire what was required: oil.

No one could enter without oil. The difference in admittance was not a difference in standard. Oil was required of both. One group was delayed because they got their oil after it was too late.  Oil was needed by both, but the wise made obtaining and maintaining it a priority. They did not dally, dawdle or delay. They got it and kept it for the day. And they were found ready. The fool also needs oil, but doesn't acknowledge its need until it's too late.

Faith in Jesus alone is what will save. It alone can light the way to glory. Do not delay in acquiring it. You will need oil. Place your faith in Jesus today while it is still called "today" rather than waiting until tomorrow when it could be too late.