Simple Living – Resources At the Ready
2003 Searching Series
Matthew 25:1-13, Matthew 6:25-33
November 30, 2003
Purpose: God wants us to focus on just one thing, keeping our spiritual lamps filled until he comes again. While we tend to focus on many things, Jesus said, “Don’t worry…Seek first the kingdom, then these things will be added…”
Introduction – Have congregation sing "Give Me Oil in My Lamp, keep it burning....give me oil in my lamp I pray..."
I. Resources are necessary…the oil was a necessity.
Traditionally, in Jewish thought and writing, oil was symbolic of good works. But whatever the symbolism (and there is much more), this symbol of oil is important to this story.
Note, all ten bridesmaids had enough oil to begin with (v. 3-4). But it was the wise you brought the reserve supply. While the wise were prepared and used their resources, in the time of waiting, to keep the faith alive, even when their expectations were not met and their hopes were tested.
The foolish, on the other hand, brought just enough, indeed did just enough to get by. Believing that things would work out to their own time-table, instead of the groom’s, they who had considered themselves smart and savvy, who thought they had it all figured out, found out otherwise. They found themselves shut out of the party, in the dark, the door was shut.
Sometimes we set up our own downfall by what we put on focus on. Sometimes we have the wrong resources at the ready.
II. Some resources are needed more than others…only the oil was needed.
It’s also interesting to me that all they needed was the oil. I don’t think that this is how the typical bride-to-be might act, right? There’s setting the date, invitations, the gown, the rings, the hall, the reception, the church, finding the preacher…all these things have to get done right?
Even in their day, brides were required to go through ceremonial washings. They had to weave through the intricate red tape of Jewish culture and law in regards to their families. They had so much to do, but this story only talks about oil, and the need of it.
To give oil its due, it was probably one of the most needed things of its time. Oil was used in religious and social life. It was used as a source of power…a source of healing…a source of goodwill. Even our modern day equivalents for power, healing, and goodwill could not hold as much status as oil did at this time.. In many ways, it was the “gold” that held life together, so its no surprise for us to find it here.
But, Jesus, I’m sure, wanted to make this parable as clear as possible. Its meaning…God wants us to focus only on one thing and that is him.
Turn to Matthew 6:25-33…in this passage we see Jesus toward the end of his sermon on the mount. In this passage Jesus makes it clear what “resources” we are supposed to be focused on…
“There I say to you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on . Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing. (skip to v.28) So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I sway to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. How if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore, do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink” or What shall we wear?” For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knowns that you need these things…”
Here comes the definition… “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (remember the oil) and all these things shall be added…”
If we want a simple life…we need to seek the kingdom of God.
If we want a simple life…we need to limit our districtations from our seeking
If we want a simple life…we need to let God add the resources.
If we want a simple life…we need to stop complaining about the small things and rejoice in the big
things.
If we want a simple life…we need stop trying to impress God by what we think we know,
what pretty clothes we may be wearing,
how much money we may or may not have in our pockets,
how many televisions we may or may not own,
how many cars are in our driveways, or how much food is in our refrigerators….
If we want a simple life…we need to keep the lamp trimmed and filled.
If we want a simple life…we need to focus on what God wants, so we don’t end up with an ostrich.
If we want a simple life…we need to seek first the kingdom of God.
Which leads us to our last point….
III. How we choose our resources (priorities) will influence how simple our lives may/may not be.
Living out our faith in the in-between time means using our resources wisely. Yes, I’m talking about priorities. And I believe at Wakelee we’re working under the correct priorities of nurturing one another, reaching out to the community around us, and witnessing to our faith in Jesus Christ.
Now, please hear me. Neither the church universal or any particular congregation is perfect. But I believe Wakelee try to light enough lamps so that we can glimpse what the coming celebration will be like.
While some claim that we are too busy, I claim that we work to make sure that at least some will not go to bed hungry tonight or have to rummage around to find shelter in the morning. We provide children in our own community a place where they are welcoming, loved, and accepted. We provide visits to person who live alone and help families going through difficult times. We proclaim God’s Word and offer relevant and inspiring worship in this worship space. Through our apportionment and mission giving, we support universities, missionaries and hospitals in this country and around the world.
But, to be honest, there are too many times when we’re focusing on everything else but the oil. We worry about what others will think, instead of what we’re being called to do. We worry about how many people are in the pew instead of how many souls are being witnessed to. We worry about worship services running too long, music being too loud or too fast or too contemporary. We worry about all these things and more.
In this story, Jesus gave his followers a theology to use as we await the coming King.
The issue is simply…how much oil do we have…how much do we depend upon God righteousness instead of our own…how are we allocating the resources that God has given to us.
Sometimes we set up our own downfall by what we put on focus on. Sometimes we have the wrong resources at the ready.
Conclusion - What oil are you stocking up?
In this simple living series, we’ve talked about enjoying what belongs to God.
We’ve learned that it’s not our whatevers, but God’s whatevers that matter.
We’ve heard that Godly stewardship is much greater than just tithing.
We’ve heard that the hilarious giver is one who gives with a willing heart.
As this parable tells us, there will be an ending. There will be a day when the groom is going to come strolling into town and the big party is going to be held. But it will also be a day when the way we’ve lived out our faith is accounted for.
The real question then is what resources are you stocking up for your everlasting spiritual journey? Do you have enough spiritual oil to last this time between Jesus’ first coming and his ultimate return? Are you using what you’ve been given, are you making the smart choices, are you seeking first the kingdom of God, during this in-between time?
Like the five bridesmaids who did not use their resources to buy extra oil, are you spending so much of your resources in keeping you and yours happy for today? Or are you trying to be like the other five, who choose to provide the oil that keeps the way of the coming Christ brightly lit.
Our choices and decisions make all the difference in the world. Sometimes we set up our own downfall by what we put on focus on. Sometimes we have the wrong resources at the ready.
But the extra oil, seek first the kingdom, then everything else will be added…don’t worry…we follow the One who has all the resources…and he’s ready to share them with those who call upon his name.
Will you join me in prayer?
#380 – There’s Within My Heart A Melody
Benediction
As we leave this place,
May the God who loves and shows mercy, show us His simple plan in the midst of chaotic days.
May the God who creates and sustains, draw us closer to Him and His will for us.
May the God who has all the resources, help us to be ready with ours!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, may this be our prayer…Amen.
Note: If for any reason you did not find this sermon helpful, please let me know by contacting me at gb@clergy.net. Your input will help me personally and my congregation as I learn professionally.
