A Bride Made Ready
Song of Solomon 2:1-2 AMP [1] “I am the rose [of the plain] of Sharon, The lily of the valleys [that grows in deep places].” [2] ¶“Like the lily among the thorns, So are you, my darling, among the maidens.”
Lilly: In Hebrew, it means šûšan, a lily (from its whiteness), as a flower of architectural ornament; also a (straight) trumpet (from the tubular shape). Valley: ʿēmeq A valley. To be deep and to seek depth. To be profound.
"Lily of the Valley" symbolizes one who has undergone a profound journey of deep purification that transforms the very “architectural” vessel that was fearfully and wonderfully made to be filled with the One who created it. Through it, God's very “straight” and profound wisdom and righteousness would be made known.
A Bride Made Ready
Revelation 19:7 NIV [7] Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
We have learned about the Suffering Servant and delved into understanding what it means to become A New Creation. Now, we come to another exciting part: A Bride Made Ready. We could explore many aspects of this topic, but for now, we will focus on the wisdom of the five wise virgins and what the oil symbolises in their readiness. We will journey through scripture, seeking wisdom as we desire to be part of the Bride that makes herself ready. Let’s dive into the Word of God together!
Understanding and Wisdom
1 Chronicles 12:23-38, we read that warriors from each tribe were sent to support David, totalling 340,622. From the tribe of Issachar, 200 leaders and their relatives were described as understanding the times and knowing what Israel should do. Remember also Esther 1:13: Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times (for this was the king’s manner toward all who knew law and justice) that they were close to him as advisers. In Matthew 2, we read about the Magi, who knew the Holy Scriptures, feared the Lord, had knowledge and understanding of the prophecies, and possessed the wisdom to understand and recognise the star that symbolized Christ’s birth and went to Jerusalem looking for Him.
The crucial point I want to emphasise is their understanding of the times. It is the key for believers in our time if we truly want to be A Bride Made Ready. We must understand what is written for our time as those who have gone before us understood what was written for their time and knew how to respond. They understood the Word of the Lord that had been prophesied and had the wisdom to know what to do. We know that Christ will have a Bride that has made herself ready, but whether that is you or I is up to us. We must be a people of understanding!
The Word of God is not grey, nor is it up for our interpretation. The Lord God instructs us to get wisdom and understanding; if we seek it diligently, we will find it. We either believe Him, or we don’t. Many people will attempt to convince you that only the astute or philosophers can understand the mysteries of God, but my bible says: Psalms 19:7 NKJV [7] The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. We can trust that if we have child-like faith and believe and obey, He will grant us the wisdom and understanding required to be prepared for His return.
So, Let's look at the parable of the ten virgins.
Matthew 25:1-13 NIV [1] “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. [4] The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. [5] The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. [6] “At midnight, the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ [7] “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. [8] The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ [9] “ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ [10] “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. [11] “Later, the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ [12] “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ [13] “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
It is important to note here that complacency does not prepare the bride. The waiting time is time to prepare. This is a warning. Every day is closer to the Lord's return, and every moment counts.
We can learn from the foolish virgins that waiting until His return is not the right time to start preparing. It requires a life of devotion and the right choices to equip us. As we explore this further, we will find that the Lord has provided us with clear instructions.
We will begin by examining some keywords and their Hebrew definitions that have significant insight for us:
· Lamp: “lampas,” the flame of which is fed with oil
· Oil: Hebrew word “maor” For fuel for lamps
· Foolish: “mōros” means godless, dull, and stupid. It doesn’t stop there, though. When we look at the root word from where “mōros” comes from, it is “mystērion,” which means the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly (godless) and wicked men but plain to the godly. (The mysteries and secrets that are revealed to those who fear the Lord Ps25:14-15)
· Wise: “phronimos” Intelligent, prudent, with cautious character. The root word gives us more insight. “phrēn” The parts of the heart, the midriff or diaphragm, the faculty of perceiving and judging (The spirit man).
The wise virgins seemed to have maintained their oil source, distinctly used to fuel the flame. Exodus 25:2-8 says that when Moses called upon those with willing hearts to bring an offering forward, he requested “oil for the light” and spices for the “anointing oil.” So, it is clear these oils have two distinct purposes.
Genesis 1:16 ESV [16] And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.
· Light: The Hebrew word “'ôr” means Light of lamp, Light of Life, Light of Instruction.
This is the same Light that is spoken of in Isaiah 60:19 AMP [19]: “The sun will no longer be your light by day, Nor shall the bright glow of the moon give light to you, But the Lord will be an everlasting light for you, And your God will be your glory and splendor. And Revelation 21:23 AMP [23] And the city has no need of the sun nor of the moon to give light to it, for the glory (splendor, radiance) of God has illumined it, and the Lamb is its lamp and light.
· Light: The Greek word “phōtizō” means to brighten up, illuminate, (bring to, give) light, make to see. Its root word is “phōs,” meaning Light of a lamp.
This is very note-worthy as we go forward because we are called children of the light and children of the day (1 Thessalonians 5:5a). Do we believe that every word in the Word of God is God-breathed and purposely there for our learning? I hope so! Let's take note of something else Moses said: Exodus 25:2 NET [2] “Tell the Israelites to take an offering for me; from every person motivated by a willing heart, you are to receive my offering.
· Willing: “nāḏaḇ” to offer free-will offerings
· Heart: “lēḇ” Understanding and Wisdom are just two of the meanings of this word, but I believe just these two will unlock such a rich understanding of these five wise virgins.
Before we proceed, I want to suggest that the oil that keeps the lamp burning, which is stored in the jars (vessels, being us individuals that are saved) for Christ's return, relates directly to righteousness, the observance of His instructions, and adherence to His commands. Let’s go deeper!
Deuteronomy 4:5-6 AMP [5] “Look, I have taught you statutes and judgments just as the Lord my God has commanded me, so that you may do them in the land which you are entering to possess. [6] So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’
· Statutes: “ḥōq” Ordinance, prescribed portion, boundary, condition, civil enactments prescribed by God, the law in general, specific degree, set time,
· Judgements: Justice, seat of judgment of deciding the case, execution of the judgments, decision (of judgment), plan
The Word of God provides us with His boundaries, conditions, laws (commands), and decrees. He has made righteous judgments for all matters and taught us how to live and conduct our lives, but more than that, we have been given Christ to complete this within us by His Spirit, not by our might nor power.
Moses told the Israelites that keeping and following the statutes and judgments of the Lord is the source of wisdom and understanding. Psalms 119:11 (AMP) states: "Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, that I may not sin against You." God's statutes, commands, precepts, and judgments keep us in right standing with Him. Notably, one of the meanings of "statute" is "set time." This is not a coincidence. Following God's ways and treasuring His Word in our hearts will give us an understanding of the "set times." With this, we can recognise our times and what God is speaking to us now. This is His wisdom. This is the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of Wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Job 28:28 NKJV [28] And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’” (To depart from evil would be a decision of righteousness, would you say?)
In 1 Corinthians 1:24b, Paul states that Christ is both the power and wisdom of God. These are not just character traits of Christ. The BLB version explicitly says, “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
Proverbs 8:6-14 AMP [6] “Listen, for I will speak excellent and noble things; And the opening of my lips will reveal right things. [7] “For my mouth will utter truth, And wickedness is repulsive and loathsome to my lips. [8] “All the words of my mouth are in righteousness (upright, in right standing with God); There is nothing contrary to truth or perverted (crooked) in them. [9] “They are all straightforward to him who understands [with an open and willing mind] And right to those who find knowledge and live by it. [10] “Take my instruction rather than [seeking] silver, And take knowledge rather than choicest gold, [11] For wisdom is better than rubies; And all desirable things cannot compare with her] ¶“I, [godly] wisdom, reside with prudence [good judgment, moral courage, and astute common sense], And I find knowledge and discretion. [13] “The [reverent] fear and worshipful awe of the Lord includes the hatred of evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way, And the perverted mouth, I hate. [14] “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power, and strength are mine.
Chapter 8 is entitled “The Appeal of Wisdom” in the NET. Wisdom is speaking! Christ is speaking!
Righteousness the Oil
Proverbs 21:20 AMP [20] There is precious treasure and oil in the house of the wise [who prepare for the future], But a short-sighted and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it.
To illustrate the concept of righteousness being the oil that keeps the lamp burning, we will examine a few specific scriptures for clarity.
Isaiah 45:8 AMP [8] Rain down, O heavens, from above, Let the clouds pour down righteousness [all the blessings of God]; Let the earth open up, let salvation bear fruit, and righteousness spring up with it; I, the Lord, have created it.
Two times, the word righteousness is spoken in this passage, and when we look at them in the original text, we learn that they give us a deeper understanding of where this righteousness comes from and what it produces.
The first one, “righteousness that pours down from heaven,” is the Hebrew word “ṣeḏeq,” which is a male noun meaning Messiah, in the name of the Messianic king, and righteousness (in government).
The second, “and righteousness spring up,” is the Hebrew word “ṣᵊḏāqâ,” a female noun meaning moral virtue, rightness, morally correct behaviour or thinking, or righteousness.
We’ll now add these too: Proverbs 4:18 AMP [18] But the path of the just (righteous) is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day. Proverbs 13:9 AMP [9] The light of the righteous [within him—grows brighter and] rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked [is a temporary light and] goes out.
Psalms 37:6 AMP [6] He will make your righteousness [your pursuit of right standing with God] like the light, And your judgment like [the shining of] the noonday [sun].
Philippians 1:11 AMP [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God [so that His glory may be both revealed and recognised].
The word righteousness in Psalm 37:6 is the same male noun as Isaiah 45:8, so we can understand that Christ is spoken of there. Meanwhile, the word righteousness in Philippians 1:11 is the feminine noun also found in Isaiah 45:8 meaning integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting.
When we examine these passages and their definitions, we can see that the Righteousness (Christ) that came down entered us in seed form, and through Him, the Light of His Righteousness shines through us. These wise virgins didn’t remain elementary Christians; they grew in maturity, and the Light that shone forth was the righteousness of the One within them. Something significant made the distinction between the wise and the unwise noticeably clear to the Bridegroom.
Own Kind
I want to ask, “Is Christ coming back for a Bride of His own kind?” Yes! In Genesis 2:18, we see the account of God taking a rib from Adam to form a companion made from his own kind. Although there were many good and pleasing things in the garden, none were found suitable to be his companion. Can I suggest that Christ is returning for a Bride of His own nature? There are many good things He could return for, but His focus is on one thing: a Bride that He recognises as His own. She is of His essence, shining brightly with the light that dwells within her: Him. She walks upright and pleases her Bridegroom. He recognises Her as being of His own kind.
As it is written in Song of Solomon 8:5 AMPa, “Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?” She has emerged from the wilderness of trials and testing, of great tribulation, and no longer relies on her own strength but leans on her beloved. Having undergone the purification process akin to Esther's, she is ready to be in the King’s presence, eagerly awaiting His arrival.
Foolish and Unrighteous
The foolish also went out to meet the Bridegroom. They desired to meet Him and to be united with Him, but they failed to prepare. They were unwilling to go through the processes of refinement, the cleansing brought by purification, and the tests necessary to produce endurance until the end. They neglected to seek wisdom, counsel, and understanding. They did not fear their God, nor seek the oil of Righteousness to keep the lamp burning bright with His Light so that He would recognise them as His own kind. Despite this, they didn’t lose hope. [8] The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ [9] “ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But Proverbs 17:16 AMP asks [16] Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom when he has no common sense or even a heart for it? It was too late to seek the wisdom to prepare and get ready rightly. They have received in Seed form the same Righteousness that came down from above as the wise virgins did but never grew up to maturity, nor did they have a heart for it.
Moses only asked for those with a willing heart to make offerings. These five unwise virgins were unwilling to offer themselves as a living sacrifice unto the Lord and lay their lives down so that His Life may arise in them, becoming one with Him by Covenant of the Cross and thereby being recognised by Him on His marvellous return.
Remember that “Statute” also meant “Set Times?”. Loving Christ will be enough for us to love His boundaries, conditions, laws (commands), and decrees, which means loving His Word. If we do, we can become as wise ones who understand the times and know what to do. We will recognise the voice of His servants sent to lead, teach, warn, and instruct. We will know who God is: Holy, Judge, Righteous, Love, Truth, and Faithful One. We will desire the fear of the Lord to grow in measure within us and seek Him diligently to perfect that which He began.
We will shine bright and have His righteousness within us to maintain that flame for all eternity.
We can be A Bride Made Ready!
