Weekly Encouragement

Torchbearers

By: Hannah S. Hunter

Matthew 25:1(NLT) “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids[a] who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.”

I was sent a dream by a pastor and leader in this land. He did not identify anyone in the dream. After a time in a prayer time with other lovers of this nation he submitted the dream to me. Right off I knew it was a warning -sobering because I knew at the end, I would know who the players were in the dream.

Learning not to speak what I think it may be, but I seek Him until I get a full release to share. God is not in a hurry nor is urged by our timetable. When two weeks came and went, I was not sure I would ever get an answer.

Friday in the very early hours of Saturday He shook me awake and said, “I have your answer.” When He revealed- I spent time in prayer. Then fell asleep and dreamed even more revelation with clarity as to the scope of this word.

As is my Saturday custom I got up and began to haul water, do some cleaning and prepared for my house help- precious young women in my church who want to bless the prophet in their land- to arrive.

Just an aside tale here. Our water tank was empty for several days. Two evenings I prayed in the rain. Each time one of the neighbors rushed out with pails and both times completely draining the tank before any of us had time to even get one pail of water. Finally, I told the Lord, “Your righteous servant has prayed. I know the rain falls on the just and unjust, but I think that your righteous servants in this compound should have the benefit of the rain they pleaded for.” Friday night it rained cats and dogs.

Saturday as I hauled water and believe me since my kitchen tank was dry it was many trips. Yes, I usually wait for the house help but doing mindless manual labor helps me process well. As I went back and forth the Lord and I conversed. He showed me the one person in the dream was foolish and the other was wise. Sadly, for me in this time of global lockdown our angst is with others in the body of Christ.

Matthew Twenty-Five the ten virgins or bridesmaids were well known to the bridal couple. When you chose your brides maids and groomsmen it is either relatives or people you love and are close to. You chose them to witness and testify to your love and union. Your voice, your walk, your look, and even your smell is known to either the groom or bride or both.

In looking at the culture of the day there was no electric power they needed artificial light like lamps that used a wick and oil to burn.  Anyone who owns a kerosene lamp knows the importance of a clean and trimmed wick to minimize smell, smoke, and diminished light. The oil must also be clear of dirt or water to burn longer and effectively.

Proverbs says the Lord’s light penetrates or pierces the human spirit and exposes hidden motives or agendas. Psalms says His word, is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. It is crucial these lamps are ready to work efficiently before the bridegroom shows up.

Another name for the bridesmaids was torchbearers. Torches have so many uses not only as source of light, showing the way, but also, they are used to signal events or send warnings. The role was not just to show up and fluff the bride’s train or hold her flowers, but a torchbearer- a warring role.

Global lockdown is shining the light on the church, her posture, her behavior, and her voice in this moment. The Bridegroom is watching. What is My Bride doing to prepare for this wedding feast? What are the torchbearers, bridesmaids, doing in this season?

His desire is we all enter the chamber to the feast when He and His procession come. How final when He comes the door is not only closed but locked. Matthew twenty-five twelve is such a sobering verse. The foolish five call out to the bridegroom through the locked door. Surely, He and the bride knew their voices. These torchbearers were in their bridal party. Bridegroom does not even come to the door nor opens it. He calls out, “I do not know you.”

Oh, church of Jesus. Oh, Bride of Christ. Are you preparing and ready?