Shalom Partner and Friend of Israel,

When Yeshua (Jesus) tells His Disciples a Parable then we MUST also pay attention! Let’s look carefully at the Lord’s Parable of the Ten Virgins; "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did NOT take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they ALL became drowsy and fell asleep."- Matthew 25:1-5.

So many "signs" of our Lord’s soon return are taking place and it is time for us – the TRUE Church of believers to go into a "secret place" and enter the Lord’s Presence so we don’t grow "drowsy" falling "spiritually" asleep… The Bible warns that in the Last Days, many WILL "fall away from the faith," rejecting the truth of God’s Word. Apostasy refers to the deliberate abandonment of one’s faith and is a "sign" of the End Times. In the world that we are living in today our hearts are burdened, and we as true Judeo-Christian believers can see the “signs” and know that “God is drawing a line” between those who His and are “watching” and longing for His soon Return …and those believers who have become complacent and following the world!

In the "Parable of the 10-Virgins" the line was drawn; 5 were Wise and 5 were Foolish!

This is the hour to have our lamps ready, trim our wicks and carry extra oil in this Last Day deception… There is a war going on between the “false” and the “real!” It is the “deception” that our Lord warned would happen just prior to His return (Matthew 24). God is “drawing the line” and is separating the false from the real and clearly, today we can see that a separation is taking place. The line has been drawn! Almighty Abba Father, God, is tired of those who believe they can fool Him. A whole lot of “shaking” is about to take place as we transition further into the New Biblical Year – 5786 (2025-2026). Some things are about to be shaken loose …and some shaken into place. For the Five Wise Virgins, “a separation” had to take place! 

We see that they were divided into two groups: "5-wise" and "5-foolish" based on their preparedness… However, when we look at this Parable, we see two groups that look very similar. They both have their lamps filled with oil and their wicks trimmed, and, ALL 10-virgins took their lamps BUT only 5 of those 10 virgins were “wise or prudent” and thought to take along extra OIL in jars for their lamps just in case the Bridegroom “might tarry” during their wait and cause their lamps to go out in the “darkest part of the night” and having NOT enough “light” to go out and meet Him. 

The 5-Foolish Virgins recognized that the 5-Wise had an extra jar of OIL that would sustain them through the long, dark nights journey to the bridegroom… They also realized at that point and "late hour" that their oil would NOT last them through the long nights journey …and we see later that when the foolish virgins recognized this, they asked for some of the oil to be given to them to sustain them! 

In this Parable our Lord Yeshua (Jesus Christ) was speaking to His Disciples of His Second Coming… You see, ALL 10-Virgins (5-wise and 5-foolish) were preparing and waiting for the BRIDEGROOM …and ALL went to sleep …and both groups heard the call of the bridegroom! That means that at the point of the “bridegroom’s calling” they ALL looked alike! In the Parable we see that because the “bridegroom” DID tarry and delayed “late into the night,” ALL 10 virgins became “drowsy” and ALL began to sleep! Falling asleep here is NOT condemned in the Parable, as both the “wise” …and the “foolish” virgins did so. It suggests the inevitability of human weakness and the need for rest BUT the key difference lies in their “preparedness” for the bridegroom's arrival.

The drowsiness of ALL 10-virgins represents the natural human tendency to become complacent over time… especially when expectations are NOT met immediately. BUT this can also be seen as a warning against "spiritual lethargy" …and the importance of maintaining a vigilant and active faith! The idea of "spiritual sleepiness" is addressed in other Scriptures, such as in Romans 13:11, which calls all believers "to awake from sleep" because their salvation is nearer now than when first believed!

The Parable of the "5 Wise - 5 Foolish Virgins" teaches us that a time is coming and a day with two different groups of believers; those who "prepared" themselves and are faithfully watching for the Lord’s Coming …and those who were NOT prepared and have fallen "spiritually" asleep! Those who were NOT prepared will hear the Lord say the most terrifying words; "Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you!" – Matthew 7:21-23. Think about this? If the Lord were to come today, would He find us watching? Would He find us prepared? Would He even know us…? Let our reply be YES!

The Parable also symbolizes true believers (Jew and Gentile) who are waiting for the return of Christ. The ‘Bridegroom’ represents; Yeshua (Jesus Christ) who is central to the Parable and symbolizes His return for His Bride – the Church of TRUE believers. The OIL shows the "5-Wise virgins" (the bride) believed the Groom and what He had said. And to believe and trust what the Lord says meant they have "faith." The OIL is faith, and the OIL represents the Holy Spirit. "So, you must be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect!"

The “foolish” virgins are foolish because they had NO oil left!  They had NO “faith” as they did NOT believe the “bridegroom’s” promise and like many today possibly saying; “He’s gone, and He’s not coming back soon.  Why bother with the extra jug of oil when we won’t use it anyway?  We’ll go to sleep, and that’ll be that.  We won’t need to wake up during the night, so there’ll be NO need for extra oil for our lamps.”  And so, they brought NO oil because they didn’t believe the “bridegroom” (Yeshua – Jesus Christ) would return in their time. The call “to be prepared” is echoed in; 1 Thessalonians 5:6, urging believers to stay awake and sober, living in anticipation of Christ's Return. “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”- Habakkuk 2:3.  

In Jewish (Galatian) wedding customs, the bridegroom's arrival was often unpredictable, as he would come to the bride's house to take her to the wedding feast… This delay symbolizes the period between Christ's First Coming 2,000 years ago the Rapture followed by His Second Coming. The delay tests the readiness and faithfulness of ALL believers …echoing the theme of “vigilance” found the “Parable of the Ten Virgins.” The delay also reflects the patience of God, who desires that NONE should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). This is seen in the Last Days with regards as to our “spiritual needs of our souls and the righteous requirements of the Gospel to which we ALL ought to be awake just as ALL 10-virgins should have been awake and alert. 

Only five-wise virgins had the DOOR open to them and closed by the Lord Himself! “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No!’ They replied, ‘there may NOT be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut!  Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’  But He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you!’ “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour! – Matthew 25:6-13. Yeshua (Jesus) is the door (John 10:9). We as believers are called “to keep watch,” because we do not know the day or the hour!” (Matthew 25:1-1).

With the 5-Wise and 5-Foolish Virgins we have the distinction: The 5-Wise took something with them - they took “vessels” in which to carry the OIL! BUT the 5-Foolish took “lamps” but took NO extra oil; “The foolish ones took their lamps but did NOT take any oil with them.” – Matthew 25:3. 

NO vessels (jars) are mentioned either and the only thing mentioned is that they had a lamp! So, let's understand the symbolism that is involved here:

A) “the OIL” - represents the Holy Spirit.

B) “the LAMP” - represents the Word of God (including the LAW of God).

C) “the VESSEL” - represents “the person” - true believer.

The 10 Virgins (5 foolish and 5 wise) represent the Kingdom of Heaven, which is the corporate Body of Christ or the true Church as a whole… The Parable does not indicate that every Christian is asleep! However wearily the Church has been watching and waiting for 2,000 years for our Lord to return BUT the fulfilment of His promise has not YET come to pass! Prophetic fatigue has overtaken God’s people. Important to remember that it could NOT have happened until Israel had returned to their land of Promise …and this happened in 1948 just as God said it would! Over the years Julie and I (Alf) have taught on the importance of “Prophecy” and the Prophetic – “Feasts of the Lord.” Many have learned to study them, but some believers erroneously do NOT realise their “significance” as Christians because they believe it to be Jewish and not for the Church. This is so wrong as the Word of God calls them; “The Feasts of the Lord” – God! They are NOT just Jewish Feasts and so many believers today are simply NOT getting the full blessings that God has for them if NOT taught and especially in the Church. “The Feasts of the Lord” and “Prophecy” both give us “Glorious HOPE” of our “soon coming King and Saviour” …while we wait, we are blessed by being obedient! Today, there is more contempt than genuine interest in Israel, the Word of God …and especially the Prophecies of Daniel and Revelation among Christians!

Interesting that "the lamp" NEVER represents the person of the true believer! And "the vessel" NEVER represents the Word of God! The Holy Spirit MUST reside within the person of the believer. God's Spirit MUST come into the "true believer," the "vessel" of the Holy Spirit …to USE the Holy Spirit and put God's Laws, as revealed in the Bible, into living practice in their lives and pour some OIL …from their vessels into their lamp to make it work! Christ used THREE symbols here; oil, lamp and vessel and are NOT interchangeable.

There is something that happens when the anointing (OIL of the Holy Spirit) manifests in our lives… "Oil" in the Scriptures symbolizes the; Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Bride of Christ (the Church) needs "OIL"- desperately today in a wicked world in order for her to walk in the Light, as "He is in the Light!" In the Bible olive oil is mentioned several times as the oil used for lighting lamps (Leviticus 24:2). And so, we see that the "oil" is used as a symbol for "the Holy Spirit" in the Bible as in the "Parable of the 5 Wise and 5 Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) to keep our lamps filled in these Last Days! The 5-Virgins with "oil" in their lamps were able to make it to the Rapture. While the 5-Virgins without the "oil" were left behind in the Tribulation Period. It shows others that there has been “a set aside time” in the “Secret Place,” that has taken place! 

The "anointing," also, brings forth the destiny of the Lord Yeshua (Jesus Christ) in each one of us… In that “set aside time” that we spend with Him, in our “prayer closets” we are to empty ourselves out …just like our Saviour did in the Garden of Gethsemane! It presses us to pursue God with all our hearts, surrendering to Him ALL that we have and all that we are …and then we desire only His will for our lives and so become totally yielded to Him. One day, Yeshua (Jesus) WILL “close the door” of grace upon those that are without the “OIL” …and WILL Rapture only those that have been filled with it. While the foolish virgins were away trying to find the “Oil” - “Baptism of the Holy Ghost” in their lives, Christ and the true Bride go away for the “honeymoon” in Heaven. The Bride of Christ – the true Church will be taken off the scene for three and a half years while this earth undergoes purging through the Great Tribulation Period

You see, there is a symbolic of “the crushing of the OIL” and not only speaks of separation, but of sanctification and consecration. Only through this process, will it bring forth the “Aroma of Christ’s Presence” and reveal to us who He is. For it is in the “crushing,” that we become “a sweet-smelling perfume” and “aroma” unto our Lord and Savior. It is serious measures for serious times that we are living in! The difference between a “dress Rehearsal” and the “actual show” is one is a practice play, and the other is real. The 5-Wise Virgins prepared for the long nights journey! The 5-Wise Virgins had allowed themselves to be “crushed” and pressed down to the last drop of OIL …just like Christ did in Gethsemane when He sweated “drops of Blood.” They were willing to go through His sufferings and be “sanctified” And because of this, they now eluded His fragrance just as we read that His sheep hear His voice; ^“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” – John 10:27-28. Truly, this is a crucial time to stay drawn to Abba Father, God. 

Now let's continue again with the Parable… ALL 10 of them went out to meet the “Bridegroom” during the day. Remember that during the day we don't burn a lamp but rather save the oil until it gets dark! So, during the daylight hours there was NO discernible difference between the 5-Wise and the 5-Foolish virgins ... both groups had “lamps” in their hands and both groups themselves as individuals represented the “vessels.” Outwardly they looked similar! They had similar actions in their lives …but only the one group had the necessary ingredient to make the lamp “work” and so when it got dark, they were ALL tired and went to sleep (Matthew 25:5). That's sounds like a fairly accurate description of the Church of God today!

At what time of the night does the Parable say that the bridegroom finally arrived? How were the slumbering virgins awakened to know that the bridegroom had arrived, and it was time to go out and meet Him? We see in;  Matthew 25:6; “At midnight the cry rang out!”  Notice that “midnight" is literally the middle or midst of the night and not necessarily a specific time on a clock as we might think of it.  Regarding the two-fold nature of Christ’s soon Coming; first for the true believers, His Bride, the Body of Christ the Church of true believers in the Harpazo/Rapture. Then at the Second Coming for the deliverance of His people - Israel (the Jews) and the destruction of His enemies and of Israel!

And “at midnight” there was a cry made! What does it mean; “GO OUT to meet Him?” Could this perhaps also be speaking about going out to the “place of safety?” As it turns out, only 5 of them follow this instruction to “go out and meet Yeshua - Jesus Christ. “Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.” - Matthew 25:7. It is only when it is time to go to “the place of safety” that the 5-Foolish virgins recognize that they are missing something and then tried to get what they lacked! When they awake out of their sleep, ALL 10 of them had to “light” their lamps, but only the 5 wise can do so! The 5-Wise Virgins KNEW how and where they got their OIL and explained to the foolish virgins; that there is a way to get oil! BUT while they went to buy oil, the “Bridegroom” came and the 5-Wise Virgins that were ready went in with Him to the marriage …and the door was shut! (Matthew 25:10).

What significant event in salvation history also took place “at midnight?” “At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.” Then read further, “the EXODUS” happened; “During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, ‘Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the Lord as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me.’” - Exodus 12:29-32.

What other example do we find in Scripture? The Disciples becoming “drowsy and falling asleep” in the middle of the night in the Garden of Gethsemane when they ought to have been awake and kept watch?  We read in; Matthew 26:36-46 Yeshua (Jesus) knowing the time of His betrayal and Crucifixion is near, takes Peter, James, and John with him deeper into the garden to PRAY …and as they reach a secluded spot, the Lord became “overwhelmed with sorrow” …and asks His Disciples “to stay awake” and “keep watch” with Him; “Then He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me!” – Matthew 26:38.

The Disciples, despite their best efforts, fall asleep multiple times, prompting Yeshua (Jesus) to wake them and urge them to PRAY …so they will NOT fall into temptation! If such could happen to the Lord’s closest Disciples while He was yet with them in person and so; is it possible that the same could happen to us today?

Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ) came the first time to make the Covenant and when He comes the second time will come to take us to our heavenly home… The implication is that the first two phases have already taken place. The first phase …was completed on earth when each individual believer placed his or her faith in Christ as Saviour. The dowry paid to the bridegroom’s parent (God the Father) would be the blood of Christ shed on the Bride’s behalf. The Church on earth today, then, is "betrothed" to Christ, and, like the "wise virgins" in the Parable, all believers should be watching and waiting for the appearance of the Bridegroom (the Rapture). The second phase… symbolizes the Rapture of the Church, when Christ comes to claim His Bride and take her to the Father’s house. The Marriage Supper then follows as the third and final step!

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb takes place in Heaven between the Rapture and the Second Coming (during the Tribulation on earth). Attending the Wedding Feast will be NOT only the true Church as the Bride of Christ …but others as well! The "others" include the Old Testament saints NOT having been resurrected yet but will be in Heaven with us. As the angel told John to write, "Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb," Revelation 19:9. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb is a glorious celebration of ALL who are in Christ! Now look at this again; What is the significance, again in the context of the two-fold nature of Christ’s Coming in a time of "great darkness," that the CRY described in; Matthew 25:6 is NOT "a SHOUT" of command as in; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; "For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first." The Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout (a loud command) - an uproar, a cry of distress, or an outcry against evil! "The Spirit clearly says that in Last Days some will abandon their faith (1 Timothy 4:1). The Last Days are described as "perilous times" because of the increasingly evil character of people actively "opposing the truth" (2 Timothy 3:1-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:3).

When the (Harpazo) Rapture does occur, what will happen? In Matthew 24 our Lord Yeshua (Jesus) simply tells us that we WILL be gathered by His angels. But the Apostle Paul’s writing gives us a little more detail. Both 1 Corinthians 15:52 and Thessalonians 4:16-17 tell us that the Rapture is NOT just of those who are living at the time …but that those believers who have already died WILL be resurrected and together we WILL meet our Lord. In 1 Corinthians 15:45-54, Paul gives us some additional information about the Rapture. When the Lord returns for us, we will be changed. The bodies we have now are NOT suitable for an "Eternal" existence in the presence of God. Our perishable and mortal bodies WILL be changed into bodies that are imperishable and immortal. Just what it will look like though is unknown! Paul expressed that what is sown often bears little resemblance to what is raised. So, it will likely be with our bodies. At the Resurrection/Rapture our bodies will go through a "radical transformation" and may or may not resemble what they do now?

To be a part of the Wedding Feast – one must be invited! It is God who does the choosing. God draws the person and gives them to Christ (John 6:39). The accepting of the invitation requires something on our part. Abraham took up his invitation to enter a Covenant with God, by adhering and obeying ALL of God’s Statues and Laws. He considered God’s Law a treasure to be desired! We must also do likewise, if we are to accept the invitation! We are to continue to obey God’s Word and Commandments if we are to retain His Holy Spirit and enter the Wedding Feast! The Parable of the 5 Wise and the 5 Foolish Virgins shows that those who still had "oil" in their lamps burning, were able to enter the Wedding Feast. Outwardly they ALL looked the same, but it was those who treasured the Word of God and had the Holy Spirit, able to enter when the BRIDEGROOM returned!

We most sincerely believe that God WILL bless you for your faithfulness and love for His land and chosen people. God’s Word is true! He IS watching to see how the Nations are treating His people. God will have mercy on Israel through Gentile believers acting as mediators towards them. This is one of the most amazing revelations ever given to the Church – an opportunity to do something that carries the highest priority in the heart of God. Yet, sadly, so few have seen the potential and the rewards of serving God in this manner - as agents of mercy to Israel and the Jewish people! Israel was and still is despised today and a despised Nation continually turning away from God …BUT nothing ever altered the purpose of God for that Nation. The "despised element" is always a noticeable element in the purpose of God. When the Saviour of the world came, He came of that "despised Nation" (and just like Israel) He Himself was "…despised and rejected by men." And there is that despised element; "…things that are despised God has chosen," - 1 Corinthians 1:28.

We hope that you enjoy and become more informed by our work. We serve an awesome God, and we are humbled by this opportunity to bring you this information.

With Shalom to you and your family always,

Alf & Julie Saunders

01 November, 2025

This can be done SECURELY through PAYPAL by clicking on "Make A Donation" LINK above or by visiting our Donations page where you will find the list of ministries where you can be a blessing to. Thank you for your love and support for God's chosen people (Ruth 2:12).

John Bunyan once said, "You have never lived successfully until you have done something for someone who can NEVER repay you!"