I decided
to read Matthew 25 again as I read through the Bible and have noticed a “wisdom
principle” that I hadn’t seen the way I see it now. Let me see if I can get to
the point in sharing this revelation to my soul that it can hopefully bless
your life and help you in your Kingdom Assignment(s).
“For God so loved the world that He
gave…,” that is a
portion of John 3:16, which most people my age are familiar with. And our aim
as His children is to give ourselves that others can receive His Love – eternal
life. However, in this passage, Matthew 25: 1-13, The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids,
(please read it for yourself), Jesus is teaching us a wisdom principle about
giving. A note: He is not referring to money, as the word “giving” often
connotes in the Body of Christ.
The wise women
prepared for their assignment. They made sure that they had ample supply of the
oil (the anointing, the power, the skill, the knowledge, the item or items
important to carrying out the Kingdom Assignment). Whereas, the foolish women
were busy doing other things (perhaps spending much time and energy getting
their make-up, hair, and nails done, watching girlie flicks, etc.) and did not give
thought or time to making sure that they had enough of what they would need for
the assignment. They were looking at the assignment from the surface and were
giddy about “their spot” or their involvement and the attention they would get.
Give some
thought to a normal bridesmaid… They are thinking about how they look, does
their dress fit, how they are going to walk, and all the normal, natural vain
and self-promoting things the average bridesmaid thinks about; worldly thinking.
They are not thinking that they have been given a role/assignment that when the
wedding is over, they need to be prepared to assist with the marriage. That is,
being a forever (in the natural from a distance) intercessor for that marriage,
praying for them, checking in on them, finding ways to help their relationship flourish
and stay together.
So, when a
certain time came, everyone was tired;
the wait was way longer than what they had anticipated and all of them fell asleep! All
of them is important to see! This flesh, our humanity has a strong pull on
us. Even though the wise women prepared themselves, they couldn’t control the
things that happened naturally. We cannot control the winds and rains of life
or the issues that impact our lives! At times, the wise women, the prepared
ones, are like everyone else in the world – just going through it…seemingly. It
looks as though all your effort, energy, your faith walk, and all the preparation
was futile!
But then, when it is least expected, the moment arrives –
it’s
time
to
move into the fulfillment of the assignment.
Not
time to get ready!
Not
time to think about what to do next!
It’s
now that time to move without delay!
And this is the point. There are times when you see the
need (s) of another or others and they may even directly ask for your
assistance. But you, me, we must be able to discern the times of our own
lives according to the assignment (s) God has given us individually or even as some collective body on a mission for His Kingdom! At this point when
the Bridegroom opens the door, makes a way, says, “come on Let’s move forward”
or simply “it’s time,” we must move, do, go, fulfil!
When
someone asks you for what you prepared for, what you have, or what is necessary
to fulfill the assignment, it is not selfish to say, “no, go get it for yourself,” because they had the same opportunity
to prepare but chose otherwise. Realistically, and in all humility, and more
importantly, whatever the reason they are not ready at this time, cannot be
your concern! Your primary concern has
to be The Bridegroom and His call on your life! You do not have “extra”
that you can give it away! Actually, giving it away will weaken you. The
unprepared women, in this season, are not your responsibility! The choices they
made are not to be discussed or reasoned. Your
primary focus is The Bridegroom and His call on your life!
So, being a
giver, whether it is of ministry to others, time, self, finances, or whatever,
it becomes even more urgent for you to recognize the time you are in! (or will be in
because this may happen periodically in this life until we get the final call).
Givers must
get over themselves in feeling responsible or guilty thinking themselves to be
selfish or unsacrificing when they have more than enough and sense not to give
it away. Understand what I am saying, know by the Spirit of God, not by the
flesh (Galatians 5:16, Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:25). In other words, hear God’s
voice daily to know His will – don’t just do what you always do because that is
you and how you do it. Let God direct your way each day (Proverbs 3:5,6). Discern
the difference between self-protection and any other self-way that is all about
you and the flesh!
The focus, again, has to be The
Bridegroom and His call on your life whether that be the assignment of
the moment or your very station or status in life! When He says, “it’s
time” act as wise as you are (that is be wise : ) and go ahead with all your stuff (skill, knowledge, money,
items) [and we as His children should carry the anointing, but then that is
another teach] and do whatever it is He
has assigned you to do!
