Don't Lock Yourself Out

Don't Lock Yourself Out

Matthew 25:1-14

Introduction: One of the most exasperating experiences in everyday life is to be locked out. Blame another if he's responsible - That's bad - but if you're responsible - terrible. Example: Locked out of your car, Locked out of your house, or Locked out of motel room.

I. The parable narrated - Background of marriages of that day:

3 parts - a. engagement b. The betrothal - 1 year before wedding which is absolutely binding - If man died during this time, young woman was considered a widow. c. The wedding itself - time of rejoicing, feasting, and entertainment - the wedding date not definitely set - Wedding took place when the groom arrived at the Bride's house. Now we have a wedding when the bride wants it, or when her mother wants it. Wedding day centered in the groom and his arrival rather than in the bride. In practice, a wedding might come one day or the next, or next week. Everyone waited for the groom to arrive for festivities began with his appearance.

This is the background of the parable of 10 virgins. They were friends of the Bride and were waiting for the groom's arrival. Went to sleep! OK! For herald came announcing loudly, "Behold the bridegroom cometh, come out to meet him!"

Matthew 25:8-9

"24 hour place?" While gone for oil - door shut - "Lord, Lord open up for us"

Interpretation: Bridegroom - Messiah

Messianic Kingdom - wedding those who received

Messiah - part of others shut out

Apart from primary lesson of story there are meaningful applications to those who seek Christ.

II. Parable applied - Parable teaches us to be -

1. Spiritually alert

We need to seize whatever opportunity comes to us. 5 expected to wake up and join wedding party - 5 just went to sleep. Example: a. mother slept beside sick child b. stage play - star sick- understudy ready? c. football team - 1st string quarterback injured, 2nd string man hurt, sophomore brought in - good in high school, excellent in freshman team, and the team wins d. Some may have worked under another man - you watched, learned the work - when he was promoted or retired you were asked, can you do the work, and you say I can and you did.

Spiritual applications: Many opportunities to be seized and can by those spiritually alert. You can smile, give a warm handshake, a word of encouragement, a word of witness.. Example of pastor baptizing 14 year old boy, because young airman 3000 miles from home who led a Bible study saw concern in the boys face, took him aside, led him to Christ while others ate refreshments. He was alert to opportunities.

2. There are some things that cannot be borrowed

a. knowledge - facts

b. skills

c. Faith - we have lost our faith in ourselves, others, country, and God. Without faith - cannot break down barriers and be an overcoming Christian. Each must have faith for himself.

d. cannot borrow salvation

My thoughts....I have really been thinking about this message. I guess specifically about getting locked out. I can think of 3 very distinct times I have been locked out and my reaction.

1. Olivia was still a baby. We had been to Wal-mart. I decided to leave her in the car seat so I could unload the groceries. To keep her content while I was going back and forth, I gave her my keys to the car. I then proceeded to shut the car door so I could go around the other side. Immediately, she pushed the remote on the keyring and locked me out with her inside! I panicked of course! I pleaded with her to push the button again, but she just laughed still playing with the keyring. As luck would have it, that was our only key to the car! I called the police and they came and unlocked the door - laughing at me and her. Terrible experience - and it was summer! So, my child is sitting locked inside a hot car! Not good!

2. Again Olivia was small...That child...We had a small den that I closed off with a baby gate and we just hung out in the den most of the time. On this particular day, I had opened the front door and locked the storm door from the inside and proceeded to "hang out" down in the den. I had been wanting to paint a mirror so while Olivia was safely confined to the den and engrossed in Elmo, I stepped right outside (where I could watch her from the window) to paint my mirror. She decided to come to the door and watch me. She then decided to turn the deadbolt lock and lock me out of the house. Again, we only had one key to the front door and it was in the door. We kept the keys to the back door that she locked inside the house. So, here I am outside and there she is inside and I can't get in the door! I was completely locked out. I tried to get her to turn the lock and she just laughed and went back to Elmo. I had to call a locksmith to come. Thankfully, he was not far and came right away. Everyone laughed at both of us and Olivia just watched TV totally entertained.

3. As you know, we just got back from Hawaii. I love collecting magnets and had one in my purse. Brian and Olivia went to an aquarium and I was going to wash clothes at the hotel laundry mat. I put the key card to the room in my purse apparently right up against the magnet. When I returned to the room, my card would not work. It is true that the magnetic strips on the back of these things can be erased by none other than magnets. So.. here I am in Honolulu, Hawaii stuck and locked out of my room. To top it off, I could not get another key card because Brian had my ID card so I had to sit in the lobby until they returned. Crazy luck!!

In all 3 of the examples, I was completely helpless and unable to do anything without help. It is funny now, but truly I was not prepared in any case. I had to call for help. It is ironic, but a similar analogy to this message. You need to always be prepared.