“Making the Cut in the Oil Crisis”

Nov.6, 2011 Mt.25:1-13   Play AUDIO (32 kbps mp3)

DELIGHT AT LIBERATION FROM BONDAGE

•    desperate conditions in Netherlands
•    difficulty of the deliverance
•    delight of the victory
•    nations in bondage until coming of Son of Man

THE PARTY-ERS AND THE PREPARED

•    lamps advisable for procession with groom and bride to wedding festivities
•    foolish maidens forgot to take extra oil: like letting car’s tank get too low
•    wise maidens were prepared, kept oil in reserve
•    generational parallels: ‘builders’ and ‘boomers’?
•    human nature resists austerity measures designed to address Eurozone woes

SHAMEFULLY SHUT-OUT

•    bridegroom unexpectedly delayed
•    foolish maids quick to help themselves to what belonged to others
•    shut out because missed opportunity while away at shops
•    matter of knowing Lord, not saying “Lord, Lord”
•    wise maidens prepared / prioritized / prized what was of value and worth-ship
•    need to ‘draw the line’ in our decisions about time and resources so can enter through the narrow door

A WARTIME MENTALITY? JOIN THE ‘RESERVES’

•    ‘eating and drinking’ a preoccupation from Noah’s time until coming of Son of Man
•    keep zeal / spiritual fervour (Rom 12:9,11)
•    John Piper advocates ‘wartime mentality’: advance Christ’s cause, not just accumulate toys