Anoint Thee

     "Oil" was used in the Old Testament Scriptures to anoint prophets, priest,and kings; and there was a connection between the use of oil after this fashion and the Holy Spirit coming upon an individual to empower him for duties in the office to which he was being consecrated.
 
     For example, Saul was anointed the first king over Israel (1 Sam. 10:1,6); and, following Saul's refusal to do that which God had commanded concerning Amalek, David was anointed king in Saul's stead (1 Sam. 16:13).  And, as clearly shown, "oil" is used in both of these passages to symbolize God's Spirit.  The Spirit came upon both Saul and David following their anointing, and the Spirit empowered both for the tasks which they were to perform.
 
     The parable of the ten virgins in Matt. 25: 1-13 deals centrally with this same overall issue, with "oil" used symbolically in the parable in exactly the same manner as it is used in the Old Testament.  All of the virgins possessed oil, but only the five wise virgins possessed an extra supply of oil.  And when they were called to an accounting- at "midnight" - only the five wise virgins were allowed to enter into the marriage festivities with the Bridegroom (vv.6ff).
 
     As the parable would relate to Christians, all Christians possess the Holy Spriit.  He indwells every Christian.  But not every Christian has the extra supply of Oil.  Not every Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit.  And when Christians are called to an accounting - at "midnight"- only those filled with the spirit will be allowed to enter into the marriage festivities with the Bridegroom.
 
     This same thing is seen in the symbolism of the second part of Ruth's preparation for meeting Boaz on his threshing floor at midnight.  Ruth could not have been properly prepared for meeting Boaz apart from anointing herself; the ten virgins, in like fashion, could not have been properly prepared for meeting the Bridegroom at midnight apart from each possessing an extra supply of oil; and Christians today cannot be properly prepared for meeting their Lord at midnight apart from being filled with the Spirit.
 
     And this will all become evident when the third and last part of Ruth's preparation is viewed, for an inseparable connection exists between all three parts.
 
Part 4    "Put Thy Rainment Upon Thee"