Matthew 25:8

Matthew 25:8

I. "Our lamps are gone out." The horror of the cry; all that is compressed in it; what secrets of slovenly lives which only half suspected their own slovenliness. Numbers of dying people are uttering it daily; if it could be heard and understood, it would surely crush all creatures into silence, it is so thrilling, so significant, a whole, boundless eternity echoing it so wildly.

II. You see they had got lamps: they had been at the pains to buy oil: once their lamps were not out.

III. They had been watching and wakeful nearly all their lives.

IV. And now they did not go away go after the world they only slept: i.e.they took things easily; it was troublesome to be always on their guard; they relaxed the wakefulness of prayer; they let their consciences get indistinct. But the good slept also; yes! and even they ran a hideous risk; but before that they had repented, they had done much, they had not merely trusted to faith, to feelings, and to outward devotions. The midnight cry takes all by surprise.

V. Haste to bring oil; the Bridegroom comes; the doors are shut. "Lord, Lord, open to us." All is still; no voice from within. He spake once, and He confirmed it with His Amen, the gentler positiveness of which had been heard by the lake-side, and on the green hill, and in the cornfield, and in the Temple court. Oh those shut doors! how fair, how beautiful is all within those doors a land of golden light, of purest happiness, of everlasting life. "Lord, Lord, open to us!" Oh, foolish, foolish virgins, those doors will never open more!

F. W. Faber, Preacher's Lantern,vol. i., p. 142.

References: Matthew 25:8. F. W. Farrar, In the Days of Thy Youth,p. 41; H. J. Wilmot-Buxton, Waterside Mission Sermons,No. 25; H. P. Hughes, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxvi., p. 410; J. Jackson, Church Sermons,vol. ii., p. 241.