This is the time to Keep the fire burning.

I was recently reminded of the importance of keeping oil in our lamps and staying

ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus, as Jesus illustrated in the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, where Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom. While all were excited to greet him, only five were fully prepared, with enough oil to keep their lamps burning. These five, who stayed ready, were welcomed and rewarded, while the other five, unprepared when the bridegroom arrived, missed their chance and were turned away. This parable is a powerful reminder that, especially if the wait feels long, it becomes more challenging to stay ready. Jesus’s message encourages us to keep our fire burning, maintaining our faith and readiness, no matter how long we wait.

In Matthew 25:3-4, Jesus said, “The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps” (NIV). All the virgins were waiting for the bridegroom, outwardly, the ten virgins appear similar, even sleeping while they wait, suggesting there’s little to distinguish them at first glance.

Although, when the bridegroom arrives, the difference becomes clear. Only the wise, prepared virgins—those who remained faithful and ready—went in with him to the wedding, and the door is then closed. When the unprepared virgins arrive, they are turned away by the bridegroom, who denies knowing them, revealing they had not truly known Him.

The message Jesus shares is a call to be vigilant, as the timing of His return is unknown. We are encouraged to live in constant readiness, as if He could come at any moment, never neglecting the salvation we have received.

Are our lamps filled with oil and burning?

In ancient biblical tradition, oil lamps have long symbolised the light of faith and truth, a meaning that still holds today. Reflecting on the parable of the ten virgins, it’s clear that Jesus calls us to be vigilant and ready, especially in uncertain times. He urges us to live in a state of spiritual preparedness, always looking forward to His return.

Many feel that global events hint at significant spiritual shifts, some even suggesting that the rapture could be near. Of course, interpretations vary widely; people hold different beliefs about how and when these prophetic events might unfold. Some see the recent turmoil in the Middle East as unprecedented, noting how it differs from conflicts in recent years. These are indeed challenging times, and the call to readiness feels more relevant than ever as we hold fast to faith and await the Lord’s return.

In light of this, I encourage you to approach everything with humility. Consider this: when Jesus came the first time, He didn’t meet everyone’s expectations, and it’s likely to be similar the second time, especially since “no one knows the day or hour” (Matthew 24:35). This uncertainty is why we must keep the fire of the Holy Spirit alive within us; God is the one who ignited this spark in the first place.

Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy offer powerful encouragement: “Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6). Because of his godly family background and his own faith, Timothy is urged to stir up the gift of God which is in him. We are not told what the gift of God is. Some take it to mean the Holy Spirit. Others understand it to mean a special ability conferred by the Lord for some form of Christian service; regardless of which it is, we need to fan it into a flame and let it burn just as Timothy was told.

We all face moments when our spiritual fire dims or even seems to go out entirely. Often, this can be due to patterns of sin. When we persist in sin without genuine repentance, the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, is grieved and may withdraw His presence. Sin can disrupt our fellowship with God, create a sense of distance, and even risk our spiritual vitality.

I experienced this firsthand after I gave my life to Christ. I didn’t yet know how to walk closely with Him, and I struggled with a sin that kept me from truly knowing Him. This sin became a secret idol in my life, preventing me from walking the narrow path of faith. Living for Christ and keeping the fire of the Holy Spirit alive was difficult because my desires led me elsewhere. Looking back now, I see the years I lost in pursuit of my own wants, but I am deeply grateful for God’s mercy. Today, I live in peace with Him, confident in His love every moment of my life.

I share this to encourage you: that you will burn brightly for God when you stop making excuses and choose to follow Him wholeheartedly. The Amplified Classic edition of 2 Timothy 1:6 puts it powerfully, urging us “to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you.” This is our call to “rekindle”—to relight and revive the Holy Spirit’s gift within us. Let’s resist the allure of things that pull us away from God’s presence and purpose.

Even when we fall short, we’re reminded that believers can still be saved because Jesus took away our sins once and for all. If you feel distant, remember the invitation in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Confession helps close the gap, restoring fellowship with Him.

While sin won’t keep you out of heaven, it can strain your relationship with the Father, who deeply desires a connection with you. He’s knocking on the door of your heart. I encourage you to open up, rekindle the flame, and let His love guide you—you’ll never regret it.

Stay blessed.