September 2007 Newsletter


"I Don't Know You!"

By: Craig Rippy


I don't know you." I don't want to hear those words from Christ. They are found in Matthew chapter 25 verse 12. The context is the parable of the ten virgins. You remember, five were foolish and five were wise. The parable is revealing the necessity of being prepared for the coming of Jesus.

All ten virgins represent those who should be ready for Christ's coming. The "Bridegroom" represents Christ coming for His bride.

While the ten virgins waited for the Bridegroom they fall asleep. When awakened by the wedding party messenger they each one trimmed their lamps in preparation to join the Groom's entourage, going to the wedding banquet.

Five of the virgins failed to have enough oil to keep their lamps lighted for the trip. They ask the five wise virgins to share their oil with them. The wise virgins said they only had enough oil for their own lamps, and sent the foolish virgins to purchase oil.

While the foolish virgins were gone the wedding party passed by. The wise virgins followed the party and entered the banquet. The gate was shut and locked after the wedding party entered.

After the foolish virgins returned from buying oil they went to the gate to ask entrance. Yet, the Bridegroom tells them, "I tell you the truth, I don't know you," and doesn't allow them admittance. This must have been quite chilling to the foolish virgins.

The oil could represent the presence of the Holy Spirit. Of course, all who place genuine faith in Christ, turn to submit to His Lordship, are willing to confess Him as Lord, have called upon Him for the salvation He supplies, and are immersed (baptized) to receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The big question for each believer is, "Have I placed genuine faith in Christ?" Another important question is, "Have I been living my Christian life faithfully?"

First, each one should examine him/herself to find if you truly placed faith in Jesus, and if so, have you kept the faith? Paul tells the Corinthian Christians, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you –– unless, of course, you fail the test?" (2 Cor. 13:5 – NIV) No one wants to wander the pit of Hell crying out, "I'm a fool!" for an eternity.

Second, examination should be occurring each Sunday. Paul says, "A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup," referring to the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:28). Really, the examination should precede our sharing around the Lord's Table by daily assessment.

Third, our evaluation should be honest and in accord with Scripture. Timothy is told, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:16-17 – NIV)

Fourth, humility should govern. If you feel you hadn't truly entered the waters of baptism with genuine faith then don't allow pride or embarrassment hinder you from doing so now.

Fifth, if you have decided you haven't been living in indisputable faith, serving Jesus as you ought, you should repent and confess your sin (Rev. 2:5; 1 John 1:9).

If you are ready for the Bridegroom you will never hear, "I don't know you." Instead, you will hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness." (Matthew 25:21 & 23 – NIV, emphasis mine)