17 December 2009
Psalm 50; Zech. 4:1-14; Rev. 4:9-5:5; Matt. 25:1-13

We like to measure things but we don’t know how to properly measure them. Do not despise the day of small things is the word of the Lord and yet we, particularly in America, constantly despise small things. Here, the rebuilding of the temple has just begun and yet even that is a major triumph in that no one thought it would even be started. The vision of the lamps connected to the two olive trees is a picture of who we are to be in the church, filled with the Spirit and knowing that we are connected to a continual source of more. Our problem is that we get disconnected from that source and when we do, we begin to make wrong judgments and allow ourselves to be discouraged rather than looking for small signs of God’s grace.

The bridesmaids were not prepared for the coming of the bridegroom, their lamps had gone out and they had no oil. In that time of waiting on the return of the bridegroom from his work of preparing the bridal chamber, (see John 14.2-3) we must indeed remain connected to the source of our life and hope, the Holy Spirit. We know that meditation on His Word and prayer are the ways in which we remain connected and that we need the fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ in order to encourage one another and yet we allow ourselves to be distracted by many things as Martha did and fail to choose the best thing. It is in our choices that lose our connection, it requires wisdom.

The elders around the throne have crowns and yet in the presence of the one seated on the throne, whose name is not given, they throw down their crowns and give glory to Him, who alone is worthy of glory. They recognize their own unworthiness in the light of His glory. Praise and worship, either in prayer or song, is essential to our lives as followers of Jesus. We need to constantly remind ourselves that we are children of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Our worship here is the place where we are filled and refreshed, and our lives are to be worship. How can we worship with our lives today, as living sacrifices?

The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
to one who orders his way rightly
I will show the salvation of God!"