 |  |
endured, and overcame (Heb. 11: 16). The virgins who go in to the marriage supper are
not the bride; that is certain. They are differentiated in Rev. 19: and Psa. 45:
There is a close connection between the first and last discourse related in Matthew.
Most of us know that the eight beatitudes of Matt. 5: are balanced by the eight woes
of Matt. 23: At verse 13 of chapter 7:, the subject turns to the question of "entering"
into the kingdom of the heavens, and the words "I never knew you" of verses 21-23, are
echoed, though not repeated as to actual words, in 25: 12. This solemn statement in
Matt. 7: is immediately followed by a "likened" (so also Matt. 25: 1) to a prudent and
a foolish builder. Their prudence or their folly consisted in their obedience or
disobedience to the Lord's words. The prudent virgins heeded the word "watch"; the
foolish did not. The wise and foolish builders figure in I Cor. 3: There again the
Apostle raises no doubt as to whether they are on the true foundation, what he is
concerned about is "how they build thereon."
"If any man's work shall abide which he hath built thereon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man's work shall be burned up, he shall suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved;
yet so as by fire."
The effect of the "delay" is brought out in these parables. "My Lord delayeth His
coming" (chronizõ). "While the bridegroom tarried" (chronizõ). "After a long time"
(chronon polun). This is the key to Hebrews 10:, 11: and 12:
"For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come and will not tarry (chronizõ).
Now the just shall live by faith . . . . . these all died in faith not having received the
promises . . . . . they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly . . . . . the recompense of
the reward."
The word "ready" or "prepared" is a connecting word in this context. "All things
were ready" (Matt. 22: 4-8). "Be ye also ready" (Matt. 25: 10). "Inherit the kingdom
prepared for you" (Matt. 25: 34). "Depart from me ye cursed into eonian fire prepared
for the devil and his angels" (Matt. 25: 41).
A further link with the next parable is found in the repetition of eiserchomai and
aperchomai. The one who received one talent went away (aperchomai) and hid the
money. Those who were commended were bidden to enter into (eiserchomai) the joy of
the Lord.
These words as we have pointed out are important words in the parable of the Virgins.
If we may so say, the failure of the five foolish virgins may be attributable to thinking
that their calling was EASY, while the failure of the servant with the one talent was
because he felt his lot to be too HARD.
May we avoid both errors and have spiritual understanding, or as the word means,
"a putting together," that we may see the combined truth of responsibility and sovereign
grace and so "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing."