Matthew 25 tells the parable of 5 wise virgins/bridesmaids and 5 foolish ones. While waiting for the bridegroom, 5 of them had lamps and oil, while 5 of them ran out of oil. The 5 foolish ones failed to prepare adequately, expecting the bridegroom to come sooner. The five wise ones had adequate oil. The foolish five were sent to buy oil, and by the time they returned, were too late.
So to make two important points: Those expecting a pre-tribulation rapture may be like those foolish five, not adequately preparing for a delay in the arrival of the bridegroom. That is, he isn’t coming as quickly as you are expecting him. They are expecting the arrival of the bridegroom, but their preparation has been inadequate.
The second point: I had previously, many times, heard that having oil referred to some kind of spiritual preparation. That may be true. Spiritual readiness is of primary importance. But if it is ONLY referring to a spiritual preparation, then why were the foolish five sent to BUY oil. There is no spiritual preparation that can be bought from the oil dealers or from anybody for that matter. There is a price to pay, but it is in time and commitment. Could this scripture be referring to a physical preparation? It is talking about something to be purchased, and that rules out anything in the spiritual realm. Ask yourself this question: Do you have the physical items you may need if the bridegroom delays? If it takes longer than you thought for Messiah to return?
So what are your physical needs? Food? Water? What do you need in the last days? What is important to you? A Bible? Medicines? What if your electricity, water, and sewage went away. Are you prepared? For how long? A couple of days? A couple of weeks? A couple of months? How about years? The Bible talks about a 7 year tribulation period. Are you ready for that? Spiritual preparation is important. Without it we won’t survive. But physical preparation is also important. God may send Angels or ravens to feed you in the wilderness. Or you might starve to death like the Israelites when their city was surrounded and under siege. Are you a wise virgin, or a foolish one?
Lost in the Fog 