Jesus’ words in the parable of the ten virgins have a great application in the way we live our lives. Those virgins who failed to bring enough oil for their lamps found themselves unprepared for the arrival of the bridegroom. When he came, the wedding celebration began, and they were not included. His words? “And the door was shut” (Matt. 25:10).
The door was shut. What a vivid description to emphasize that in our lives there are opportunities which come our way, and we must react immediately or that open door may be shut for us. This is especially true of those times when our hearts are being convicted to obey the gospel, and we fail to respond. Look at some of these events which come to us in the lives of almost every one of us.
The Open Door When We Are Young
Solomon said, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecc. 12:1). One of the most wonderful experiences is to watch the innocent faith of toddlers grow and grow until that time when they choose to become Christians. Timothy is a Biblical example of this. We should not be surprised that when, as a very young man, he was taught by Paul he became a Christian. This was because his mother and grandmother’s faith was seen by Timothy (even though his father was a pagan). The foundation of that faith was taught to him. Paul said that the knowledge of the Scriptures started when Timothy was a child (the Greek word used is infancy), and this resulted in Timothy obeying the gospel (2 Tim. 3:15).
Now suppose Timothy had not failed to remember his Creator. Listen to the rest of Solomon’s words. “…before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ’I have no pleasure in them.’” Those who do not remember Him when they are young may find that as they get older the time arrives when that door is shut.
The Open Door Later in Life
Youth is not the only time we can follow Him, but it is the easiest time. When Paul preached the door to the Roman governor, Felix trembled. There was an open door. How did he respond? “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you” (Acts 24:25). As far as we know, that time never came. Is it possible that you are close to becoming a Christian, but you think a better time will come? It may never come.
The Final Door Permanently Closed
Remember this. When you draw your last breath the door truly will be shut, never to be opened again. God says, “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). Do not let the door close before you!