07/28/2026
Don't Blame the Flame When You've Left the Oil
"Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'" — Matthew 25:7–8
The difference between the ten virgins was not the lamp. All ten had one. They were all waiting for the Bridegroom. They all looked prepared from the outside.
The difference was the oil.
Five were wise because they carried extra oil. Five were foolish because they carried the lamp but neglected the oil.
A lamp without oil can only burn for a little while. It may shine for a moment, but eventually the flame dies. That is why Jesus called them foolish. They prepared for appearance, but not for endurance.
Many people today carry the lamp. They attend church, know the songs, and speak the right language. But a lamp without oil cannot survive the delay. When trials come, when temptation comes, or when the Bridegroom seems to tarry, the flame begins to fade.
David teaches us the same lesson.
Before David faced Goliath, Samuel poured oil on his head, and from that day the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him (1 Samuel 16:13). The battle with Goliath came after the anointing, not before.
The giant was defeated because David carried more than a sling. He carried the oil of God's presence.
Your gifts are the lamp, but God's Spirit is the oil. Your talent may impress people, but only the oil will sustain you. Don't focus on carrying the lamp while neglecting the oil.
Thank you Romulous Makandiwa
