TREM Devotional 5 March 2026 – Stop Robbing Yourself

Biblical Context

The passage from Matthew 25:10-12 sits within a larger section of Jesus’ teaching, often called the Olivet Discourse. This discourse, found in Matthew chapters 24 and 25, deals with prophecies about the end times, the destruction of the temple, and Jesus’ Second Coming. Matthew’s Gospel itself, written primarily for a Jewish-Christian audience, emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah, the King, and the one who fulfills Old Testament prophecy. It also stresses the importance of discipleship and readiness for the Kingdom of Heaven.

The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), from which our scripture comes, is a powerful story Jesus told to warn His followers about the need for constant vigilance and preparedness for His return. It’s not just a story about waiting; it’s a story about being ready for that wait to end. The setting of a wedding feast was a common image for the joy and consummation of God’s Kingdom. Jesus uses this familiar imagery to speak about a critical spiritual truth: the individual responsibility to be prepared for His arrival.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word “ready” from our main scripture. In the Greek, the word used is hetoimos (ἕτοιμος). This adjective means ‘prepared,’ ‘in a state of readiness,’ ‘fit for use,’ or ‘at hand.’ It speaks of having everything in order, being equipped and poised for an event. It doesn’t just mean being aware an event is coming; it means having taken the necessary steps to meet that event properly. In the context of the virgins, it meant having oil for their lamps, not just the lamps themselves.

Stop Robbing Yourself

Beloved, think about what God has put inside you. Every talent, every gift, every bit of potential. When you don’t develop those things, when you don’t use them, you’re not hurting anyone else as much as you’re hurting yourself. You’re robbing yourself of all the good things God wants to pour into your life simply because you’re treating preparation like it’s no big deal. The Bible makes it very clear: only those who were ready got to go in with the Bridegroom. This kind of readiness? It doesn’t just happen. You have to make it happen. It’s a choice you make, every single day. So, are you prepared for what’s coming?

The story of the ten virgins lays it out plain. They all had the same chance, the same opportunity. But what made the difference? The wise virgins took charge of their own preparation. They knew what they needed to do, and they did it. The foolish ones? They just ignored it. And they paid a heavy price for that.

When the foolish virgins realized their lamps were going out, they asked the wise ones for oil. But what did the wise ones say? They said, “Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.” – Matthew 25:9 (KJV). This isn’t unkindness; it’s wisdom. There are some things you just can’t share or borrow.

You need to be like those wise virgins. Don’t let your feelings or some misplaced desire to help everyone stop you from doing what you know is right. There will be times when you have to lovingly say “no.” That doesn’t mean you’re being mean; it just means you’re being smart. You’re not God, you know. You can’t carry everyone’s burden, and you can’t give away the very thing that keeps your own spiritual fire burning. There are just some things in this life that you can’t get from someone else or pass on to them. Things like salvation, growing in your walk with God, and being ready for what He calls you to do – these are your own personal responsibilities.

The foolish virgins had every opportunity to get ready. They knew what was coming. But they put it off. They didn’t take charge of what was asked of them. And when the crucial moment came, it was too late for them. While they were running off trying to buy oil, the Bridegroom arrived. The ones who were ready went inside, and then the door shut tight. Later, the others showed up, calling out, “Lord, Lord, open to us.” But the answer they got was chilling: “Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” (Matthew 25:12).

That’s a tough truth, isn’t it? God’s grace gives us chances, gives us opportunities. But it’s our hard work, our diligence, that keeps us in those chances. The time to get ready is right now. Don’t put off obeying God. Don’t wait until it feels easy or convenient. Life doesn’t wait for us to feel like it. You’ve got to be prepared.

So, beloved, make sure you stay ready. Keep your lamp burning bright. Make sure your oil is always full. When your big moment finally arrives, I pray you’re one of those who gets to go in with the Bridegroom, not one of those left standing outside, wishing you’d done things differently. You won’t miss your opportunity!