Hi Liz,
 
  You wrote about Matthew 25 and the kingdom of heaven being likened to 10 virgins.
 
  You wrote: My question is the *ALL* in verse 5!  It looks like they were all
sleeping when the bridegroom arrived!  Here at Doves we're a unique
group of watchers who are at it 24/7!  Dates come and go and we remain
strong and committed to our watch.  But does these verse imply that
eventually we will ALL fall into a slumber?!!! Oh my - I surely hope not
as I have tried so hard since 1998 to keep my lamp burning even when
we've experienced so many disappointments!  But this verse troubles me.
Will we all fall into a state of slumber eventually?  I hope my fellow
watchers can ease my fears on this!
 
  Your observation is very perceptive and your concern valid. Some time ago I received some precious insight about the church being divided into three categories, patterned after what Jesus modeled for us at Gesthemane. (See The Testimony of Gesthemane - The Mount of Olives http://theopenscroll.com/getholive.htm ) One group would be like Jesus and stay awake. The other two groups are like Peter, James and John, and then the other disciples, who all fell asleep.
 
  The ten virgins all slept, like all the disciples. Five wise compare to Peter, James and John. But, like Jesus, there are others not included among the ten virgins, being specially separate. Therein is the mystery of the Bride, who is like her Bridegroom.
 
  The Bridegroom and the Bride

The Bride Theft
 
  I elaborate on this topic somewhat in this writing: The Midnight Cry .
 
  God bless you in your striving to stay awake and watch! B'Shem Y'shua.
 
  Bob Schlenker