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Two Classes of Watchers, July 15
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105
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The two classes of watchers represent the two classes who profess to be waiting
for their Lord. They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith. By the
lamps is represented the Word of God. The psalmist says, “Thy word is a lamp
unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
Thus the Spirit is represented in the prophecy of Zechariah.... “I have looked,
and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven
lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, ... and two olive trees by it.” ...
From the two olive trees the golden oil was emptied through the golden pipes
into the bowl of the candlestick, and thence into the golden lamps that gave light
to the sanctuary. So from the holy ones that stand in God’s presence His Spirit is
imparted to the human instrumentalities who are consecrated to His service. The
mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate to God’s people that heavenly
grace which alone can make His Word a lamp to the feet and a light to the path.
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”
In the parable, all the ten virgins went out to meet the bridegroom. All had
lamps and vessels for oil. For a time there was seen no difference between
them. So with the church that lives just before Christ’s second coming. All
have a knowledge of the Scriptures. All have heard the message of Christ’s near
approach, and confidently expect His appearing. But as in the parable, so it is now.
A time of waiting intervenes, faith is tried; and when the cry is heard, “Behold,
the bridegroom cometh,” ... many are unready. They have no oil in their vessels
with their lamps. They are destitute of the Holy Spirit....
The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the Holy Spirit, cannot quicken the
soul or sanctify the heart. One may be familiar with the commands and promises
of the Bible; but unless the Spirit of God sets the truth home, the character will
not be transformed. Without the enlightenment of the Spirit, men will not be able
to distinguish truth from error, and they will fall under the masterful temptations
of Satan....
Character is not transferable. No man can believe for another. No man can
receive the Spirit for another. No man can impart to another the character which
is the fruit of the Spirit’s working.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 406-412
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