In Matthew 25: 1-13 our Lord made reference to the wise virgins who made sure to fill their lamps with enough oil, so that their flames burned brightly in the darkness, and the foolish virgins who let their lamps go out, in such a way because his presence only contributed to the darkness that
surrounded. As it grows darker around us in these last days, are we like the wise virgins, ready with our lamps full of oil and burning blazingly, or is our flame a mere flicker in the wind?
It is evident in this illustration that fire depends on the supply of oil. Where there was no oil, there was no fire. In Scripture, oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. We are told about the time when the Holy Spirit descended on Pentecost:
... Then appeared to them tongues like fire that were divided and
They settled on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit ...
(Acts 2: 3-4)
Even so, when the Holy Spirit descended on Pentecost, we are affably reminded that although we are all members of one body, we are responsible before the Lord as individuals to keep our lamp in optimum condition, full of oil and burning intensely, not depending on the sanctity of others so that we
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Considering the evident link between the Holy Spirit of God and His Holy Word, there must be a firm link between the mandate to take the Sword of the Spirit in our lives and the ability of the Holy Spirit to function effectively in our lives. So, what does it mean to take the Sword of the Spirit? Maybe you're thinking, as many do, "Oh, that means we have to make sure we read the Bible every day, without exception." Could you think for a moment about the last time you read the Bible? What do you remember about the passage you read? Have you found that just by reading, or perhaps doing a study, you get enough fuel to keep the fire of the Word burning intensely in your heart and in your life all day and even at night?
Somehow we have adopted the idea that taking the Sword of the Spirit has to do with owning or having access to a book. I'm sure you've been in meetings where someone has asked, "How many of you have your sword in your hand?"
Then each one raises his Bible and proudly waves it in the air. But let me ask you: Is that Book, that bundle of paper, your sword? Glory to God because his Word is printed in the pages of that book, but what value does it have for us if the Powerful Word printed on its pages is not stored in our hearts to burn like a purifying fire? Only then do we have constant access to it so that the Holy Spirit can use it in our representation when we are in the forefront of life.
