God Given Opportunity | Sun 15 May | 2022 Year of Abundant Harvest

We welcome you all to the house of God. May God speak with all of us today through His word. May our ,,,ears be open to listen to what God wants to impart and give to us.

Today we are going to learn about God given opportunity.

Illustration: A shoe salesman was sent to Africa for a reiki that if they can stablish their business in Africa as well. He went and suggested that it is of no use since nobody wears shoes in that place. After some time, another man hired by this company, after the survey, he asked his company to send all the shoes you can since nobody wears shoes here. The first man missed on the opportunity.

In our life, God always brings opportunities in our life, but it depends if we take it or miss it.

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

In our life, how many times have we missed the opportunity? This parable is a typical marriage time from that middle eastern setting.

The circumstances of the parable of the ten virgins were taken from the marriage customs among the Jews, and explain the great day of Christ’s coming. See the nature of Christianity. As Christians we profess to attend upon Christ, to honour him, also to be waiting for his coming. Sincere Christians are the wise virgins, and hypocrites the foolish ones. Those are the truly wise or foolish that are so in the affairs of their souls. Many have a lamp of profession in their hands, but have not, in their hearts, sound knowledge and settled resolution, which are needed to carry them through the services and trials of the present state. Their hearts are not stored with holy dispositions, by the new-creating Spirit of God. Our light must shine before men in good works; but this is not likely to be long done, unless there is a fixed, active principle in the heart, of faith in Christ, and love to God and our brethren. They all slumbered and slept. The delay represents the space between the real or apparent conversion of these professors, and the coming of Christ, to take them away by death, or to judge the world. But though Christ tarry past our time, he will not tarry past the due time. The wise virgins kept their lamps burning, but they did not keep themselves awake. Too many real Christians grow remiss, and one degree of carelessness makes way for another. Those that allow themselves to slumber, will scarcely keep from sleeping; therefore dread the beginning of spiritual decays. A startling summons was given. Go ye forth to meet Him, is a call to those prepared. The notice of Christ’s approach, and the call to meet him, will awaken. Even those best prepared for death have work to do to get actually ready. It will be a day of search and inquiry; and it concerns us to think how we shall then be found. Some wanted oil to supply their lamps when going out. Those that take up short of true grace, will certainly find the want of it one time or other. An outward profession may light a man along this world, but the damps of the valley of the shadow of death will put out such a light. Those who care not to live the life, yet would die the death of the righteous. But those that would be saved, must have grace of their own; and those that have most grace, have none to spare. The best need more from Christ. And while the poor alarmed soul addresses itself, upon a sick-bed, to repentance and prayer, in awful confusion, death comes, judgment comes, the work is undone, and the poor sinner is undone for ever. This comes of having oil to buy when we should burn it, grace to get when we should use it. Those, and those only, shall go to heaven hereafter, that are made ready for heaven here. The suddenness of death and of Christ’s coming to us then, will not hinder our happiness, if we have been prepared. The door was shut. Many will seek admission into heaven when it is too late. The vain confidence of hypocrites will carry them far in expectations of happiness. The unexpected summons of death may alarm the Christian; but, proceeding without delay to trim his lamp, his graces often shine more bright; while the mere professor’s conduct shows that his lamp is going out. Watch therefore, attend to the business of your souls. Be in the fear of the Lord all the day long.

Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.

The five among ten virgins missed their opportunity. They asked from other five whether or not they can have some extra oil, to which they were denied since it would have been not sufficient for all of them. But then it was too late, eventhough opportunity was equally given to all of them. And remember the secret to success in life is to

When opportunity comes, there are only two things that will happen…

Renowned auther and Christian speaker Charles Swindell said once, “Time is short, opportunity is knocking, please answer it.”

Illustration: There are four things someone said that won’t come back.

Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Noah got an opportunity along with people during his time. Noah did not let this opportunity go, even though others made fun of Noah and never thought that a tragedy is about to come. When the flood came, people knocked the door but the door was shut. It was too late and they missed opportunity, on the other hand, Noah grabbed the opportunity.

Adam and Eve had an opportunity to stay in the garden of Eden. They lost the opportunity to spend time with God.

Genesis 6 talks about Adam and Eve in detail.

If he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;

God used to visit Adam & Eve every day and used to talk with them person to person.

Therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken.

Another example is in Genesis 19…

And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.”

God gave opportunity to Lot’s family and they were all saved, all but his wife.

But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

And they will say to you, ‘Look, there!’ or ‘Look, here!’ Do not go out or follow them.

Once it is gone, it will never come back to you. It might be a business decision; it might be restoration of relationship in your family. God gives you opportunity, you must grab it.

After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

The apostle reasoned concerning the nature and obligations of righteousness, temperance, and of a judgment to come; thus showing the oppressive judge and his profligate mistress, their need of repentance, forgiveness, and of the grace of the gospel. Justice respects our conduct in life, particularly in reference to others; temperance, the state and government of our souls, in reference to God. He who does not exercise himself in these, has neither the form nor the power of godliness, and must be overwhelmed with the Divine wrath in the day of God’s appearing. A prospect of the judgment to come, is enough to make the stoutest heart to tremble. Felix trembled, but that was all. Many are startled by the word of God, who are not changed by it. Many fear the consequences of sin, yet continue in the love and practice of sin. In the affairs of our souls, delays are dangerous. Felix put off this matter to a more convenient season, but we do not find that the more convenient season ever came. Behold now is the accepted time; hear the voice of the Lord to-day. He was in haste to turn from hearing the truth. Was any business more urgent than for him to reform his conduct, or more important than the salvation of his soul! Sinners often start up like a man roused from his sleep by a loud noise, but soon sink again into their usual drowsiness. Be not deceived by occasional appearances of religion in ourselves or in others. Above all, let us not trifle with the word of God. Do we expect that as we advance in life our hearts will grow softer, or that the influence of the world will decline? Are we not at this moment in danger of being lost for ever? Now is the day of salvation; tomorrow may be too late.

Felix never got another chance to hear from God again. He missed the opportunity.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Illustration: A pastor told one of the stories of a man who was 72 year age. He was in a good health but did not knew Jesus. Pastor had a conviction to speak to the man and wanted to ask about the future of old man’s soul. Pastor due to some reason, did not visited, and the man died all if a sudden. The next day pastor came to know about this news and regretted that had that man be faithful, today he would have been in heaven after speaking with me.

God will never force any opportunity on you, you have to so it.

Judas Iscariot had opportunity. He worked closely to Jesus and had every opportunity to be close to Jesus. However due to his greed, he missed on his opportunity. Later he regretted his decision and said I do not want this money, but then the door was closed and opportunity was gone.

God does not force opportunities on you.

And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

The blindman had opportunity and he asked Jesus, “I want to see!”. Jesus did not asked him or forced him, it was blind man’s opportunity, even though other people may be laughing at him while he was shouting to the Lord. He cried unto the Lord and got what he wanted. Others missed the opportunity to ask from Jesus then.

Similarly, a woman with blood clots on her body, had one opportunity. She did not bother what will happen, and touched His garment. And Jesus recognised this touch and she was healed.

When you worship, worship with all your heart and God will recognize. It doesn’t matter what people will say. Do not think of the reputation, it is all about Jesus. Nothing else matters.

Illustration: Apostle John was put in a boiling oil, yet he did not die. They took him out and out in isolation on an island. He could have blamed God, however he made best use of his time and today we have the book of revelation.

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The thieves had their opportunity, but one ceased it and the other one missed it. The one who ceased said, “Lord, remember me!” and Jesus promised him the paradise.

2: Do not miss on the opportunity that God gives you. 

People of God, do not miss out on the rewards that God has given us. God gives us opportunity to come to church, to hear His word. People are so busy and they have no time. Enemy will always try to keep you busy because the word of God is powerful. But remember that God wants to make you a better person and not a bitter person.

Whenever God gives you the opportunity, be there and don’t miss in the opportunity.

We already read the story of the pastor who missed on the opportunity to share the Gospel. He missed that opportunity to share the word of God.

What church needs today is a revival!

If you have opportunity to receive Him, receive it today. Because today is the day that God has made for us. Today is the day of salvation, tomorrow will be too late.

Dear Church, when God gives you the opportunity, grab it and do not miss it. It’s all about Him and nothing else matters.

We thank you for joining us today and we look forward to seeing you again. God bless!