Preparation

"Who then is this party of ten virgins? And where is the bride? There seems to be a puzzling omission here in this parable. The bride herself is not featured. The parable focusses on a bridal party, here termed virgins or bridesmaids. Bridesmaids typically are closely associated with the bride. But isn't a bridesmaid one who is preparing for her own future role as a bride? Is she not readying herself for her own wedding? This is a picture of the divine romance is it not? If that is so, then might the issue of bridal preparation be the main theme in this parable of the 10 virgins? "

What is the day of the Lord?

Amos says that it is a day of darkness, not of light. The day of the Lord we look forward to Paul describes as a day of celebration and reunion. So for whom will it be a day of darkness? Jesus answers the question. Those who run out of oil are left in the darkness of a lampless night.

I diverge from the traditional A/G teaching that mirrors the “Left Behind” eschatology. So don’t misunderstand me, I am not thinking of Amos’ dark night as being the Great Tribulation, but it is certainly God’s judgment on injustice and unrighteousness. There is a great upheaval the apocalyptic revelation brings. The unrighteous will be leveled; the poor made rich like the mountains - the great and terrible day of the Lord. The day Amos reminds us of is awful and terrible, just as Paul reminds us it is awesome and glorious.