Have you ever been unfamiliar with some kind of food and asked, “What does it taste like?” The inevitable response is, “It tastes like chicken.” Everything doesn’t taste like chicken, but making this comparison is an attempt to illustrate a description in a way that will make sense to the inquirer. Just as we do today, the Lord Jesus Christ often used the comparative words “like” or “as” to illustrate something with significant spiritual importance.

The parable of the ten virgins is rich with meaning and symbolism. The Old Testament pictured the nation of Israel as the wife of Jehovah (Isaiah 54:5-6). Yet because of constant spiritual adultery, God “put her away” with a “bill of divorce” (Jeremiah 3:8). Though Israel had forgotten the Lord, He promised He would not forget her but would once again woo her, and “betroth thee unto Me forever” (Hosea 2:19-20). In this parable, the Lord Jesus Christ represents the bridegroom, and Israel the bride. It was God’s purpose to use redeemed Jews to “restore the preserved of Israel; [and] I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles” (Isaiah 49:6). The ministry of these messengers is described as “open[ing] the eyes of the [spiritually] blind” (Isaiah 42:5-7). What a marvelous description of lost souls coming to see their need for saving faith. The virgins in this parable were equipped with lamps to provide illumination in the night (Matthew 25:3-4). This pictures the literal and spiritual darkness that will pervade the seven years of tribulation. As “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” Israel was told to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Empowered with an unction of the Holy Spirit, these Jewish believers, pictured by the ten virgins, are being instructed to fulfill God’s will for them. They were to “go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth” (Isaiah 62:1), leading many to eternal life.

While our program, promises, and people are different in this present Dispensation of Grace, we have many obvious parallels. We too are to be a light in our spiritually dark days, leading many to eternal life by giving out our Gospel of the Grace of God. We too are to be God’s evangelists. We too are to live so godly that our life enhances our efforts to lead others to Christ. Make this your goal today.