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Mission accomplished. Eze. 9:11 A segment of the inhabitants of Jerusalem marked for separation and deliverance. They are those who recognize the difference between true worship unto the Lord and that which is false. They are those who are burdened when they look upon the condition found among the people of God. Jesus spoke of the condition of the church in the end of the age by referring to it as the kingdom of heaven and likening it to ten virgins who were in great anticipation of the coming of their bridegroom. Mt. 25:1 In the darkness of the night, with their lamps burning brightly they went forth to meet the bridegroom. Immediately, He divide them into two groups, wise and foolish. Mt. 25:2 The Lord only knows that we have just that in todayís church. Those who are serious about spiritual things and those who are along just for the thrill and excitement. An evidence of two groups, the spiritual and the social.
Oddly enough, the wise fell asleep as well as the unwise. Mt. 25:5 Lethargy rules. At the last moment the difference between the two groups is made evident. The wise had prepared with an abundant supply of oil in case the bridegroom tarried. At the midnight summons they were ready, while the lamps of the unwise, one by one began to flicker and went out for lack of oil (true anointing). Mt. 25:6-9 The unwise had to make a dash to the market place to buy more oil. On their return, they were rejected, for the door had been shut. Mt. 25:10-12.
The five unwise returned with the cry of, Lord, Lord. Mt. 25:11 A spiritual seriousness can come too late, as it will with them. Jesus warned that there would be those who commonly called out Lord, Lord but that they would not find a place in the kingdom of God. Mt. 7:21 It is absolutely startling when we consider His words recorded here as to whom these persons might be for they are prophets and preachers who have wrought mighty works, supposedly in His name. Mt. 7:22 His response is most serious. He said to them, ìI never knew you, depart from me, you that work iniquity. Mt.7:23 Five wise and five foolish gives a division of fifty percent. Exactly one half of those in church attendance are living a life represented either by the unwise or the wise. The wise are those with a burden for the church. Who know what it is to travail for a real outpouring of the Spirit. They are wise, they read the signs of the times, they know what the future holds and are preparing for it. They will receive the mark of the Lord while others will receive the mark of the antichrist.