These chapters start off with Jesus telling the parable of the ten virgins who are waiting for the bridegroom. Five keep the oil in their lights filled up and five don’t. So when the bridegroom comes in the middle of the night, five don’t have the oil to light his way to the party. They are locked out.

He says we will be like that, and that we must all stay ready. He also uses the parable of the talents – where servants are told  to look after their master’s assets while he travels. The one who is given five talents uses them all and makes another five. He is given lots of rewards when the master returns. Another servant is given two talents, and he also earns two talents and is given rewards. But the servant who is only given one talent hides it in the ground out of fear of losing it, and so is cast aside when the master returns.

I’ve always found these parables slightly scary and I often feel like I’m not doing enough, or doing the wrong thing.

Sometimes though I do find it hard to keep my oil topped up!

Chapter 26 is the garden of gethsemane, when Jesus struggles and prays to God “O Father if it is possible let this cup pass from me; but not as I will but as you will.” It is painful to think he went through that horrible pain for me, but I find these verses comforting too as I know that Jesus also struggles with life, and pain.

Dear God, Please keep me burning for you until you return. Please forgive me the times when I fall short of oil and do not use my talents. Please help me to serve you joyfully each day. Particularly forgive me for the spirit of self-pity today. Please help me to rest in you my Father, as I am tired. I need your spirit to lift me up. Please fill me with your fruits: love joy peace, patience and kindness…. In Jesus name, Amen