“Through the Looking Glass” The Kingdom of Heaven as seen through the parables of Jesus

“For now we see through a glass…” – I Cor. 13:12


 “RENEWABLE ENERGY”

HISTORICAL CONTEXT: Jewish Wedding Custom

  • The signing of the (kuh-too-buh) “KETUBAH” Legally binging marriage contract between groom and bride’s father
  • Preparation of FAMILY ABODE: usually an addition to groom’s family compound.
  • The “CHUPPAH”: Round-trip procession.
    • 1st leg: Bride’s attendants, with lamps lit, and groom’s attendants would wait at the bride’s residence. When ready, the groom comes to bride’s abode to consummate the marriage
    • 2nd leg: All in procession back to groom’s prepared dwelling for days of feasting and celebrating.

The Ten Virgins: Matthew 25:1-13

25 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.

 THE OBVIOUS MESSAGE: BE READY!

THE ANALOGIES:

  • We are to be “KETUBAH’D” to God.
  • He is coming to take us to our FAMILY ABODE.
  • We must be FOUND FAITHFUL on His arrival.
  • We are to be LIGHTING THE WAY to the party!

THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE: HOW TO BE READY!

LIGHTING THE PATH TO THE PARTY!

          Rev. 21:23

John 8:12

I John 1:5-9

Matthew 4:16

John 1:5

 TAP INTO THE RENEWABLE (UNLIMITED) ENERGY SOURCE.

 “OIL” = THE HOLY SPIRIT

 FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT!

 FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!

 WORKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!                                       

 “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” – Matthew 11:15