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		Accidents are not really accidents at all. Although you may have never been directly involved in an accident, you most likely have experienced the effects of one. Some accidents are so mysterious that entire roadways must
be closed while Investigators are summoned. Armed with their scientific tools, they spend hours to determine the exact cause of the calamity. Once the evidence is gathered, various penalties are distributed among those who are at fault. These things are done to keep such disasters from re-occurring.

On the Heavenly highway, God desires His people to have a safe journey. It is when those traveling upon this road fail to pay attention to the signs that they imperil themselves and their fellow travelers. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee” (Hosea 4:6). With this in mind, We shall construct the scene of a great accident yet to transpire along the pathway of God’s chosen people. Because it is a prophecy, we have the opportunity to view its outcome before the event occurs. Those who are wise must use this foreknowledge to keep themselves safe on this journey. “We have the word of the prophets...you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). Before determining the cause of any accident, attention is directed towards those suffering injuries. And there are three categories of those who demand our attention:

 - The family -

We arrive at an event that appears to be very festive. But upon close examination, we behold an elderly man who seems very anxious and frustrated! We learn that he is an exceptionally rich man who had organized a feast for his only son which took him an entire year in order to prepare. To heighten his son’s anticipation of what was to come, he was sent out to a place far away. And while he was away, no expense was spared for the celebration of his return. The joyous moment of the father and son’s re– union would reveal emotions that could been seen only once in a lifetime. Only the closest of his friends and relatives would be invited to witness such a blessed event.

As the time for the feast nears, his guests stream into the city from all corners of the world. All of their travel and lodging expenses are paid for by the father. In fact, a special gift  is prepared for each of his guests and will be given as they enter his home. And for his returning son, the greatest gift ever prepared by a father for a son an extremely beautiful bride! The two are perfectly suited for each other.

- The Guests -

The eve of the event has arrived and the feast is generously prepared. After some hours of delay, a herald bears a message stating that the return of his son is immanent! The father eagerly watches from outside his door as the grand procession grows ever nearer to his home. His guests are quickly pouring in while each are met at the door with gifts of the Father’s appreciation. And now for the last of the father’s gifts; the lovely bride. What a wonderful and blessed event! All present at the feast sing songs of great joy. But after the initial excitement of the event had ended, the father looked out over the many unclaimed gifts and the rows of empty seats. His eyes gathered a look of disappointment for he realized that only half of his guests were in attendance! All those present at the wedding feast knew that something had gone terribly wrong, but out of respect for the embarrassed father, they remained silent.

 - The young Maids -

 Had this father done something that would have caused his guests to depart just prior to the feast? Had he been negligent in regards to their care? As he pondered these questions, his eyes swept across the banquet room and observed only five of his hired maids were present. With their young eyes and quick and unfaltering steps, who better would serve the purpose of going through the city in the dark of night and guide his guests to the feast. His mind quickly accounted for the missing guests. Approaching one of the maids he said, “I have hired ten maids to guide my guests and only five of you have returned. Tell me I pray, what has happened to the other five?” The maid simply replied. “They have gone to buy oil for their lamps”.

 Finding lantern oil at midnight would have been impossible. He turned to the maid once again and lamented, “I spared no expense for this feast and I paid all of my maids handsomely. So why were these five maids lacking oil?”  “Sir”, said the young maid respectfully, “The five maids were foolish. They presumed that this feast would be like all others. They confidently declared that they had no need of an extra portion of oil. But when your son was late for the feast, we all fell asleep. All of our lamps kept on burning and spent all of the oil of our lights. But five of us wisely thought to purchase an extra portion of oil just in case your great feast did not go according to the original plan”.

Just then, there was heard a knock at the door. The rich Father anticipated that more of his guests had arrived and he hurried to answer the door. With gift in hand, he opened the door to offer his guest his apologies for his disservice. But instead, it was the five maids who arrived, shamelessly asking for entrance into the feast. The father gazed out beyond them, hoping against hope that they had at least gone out and led some of his missing guests to the feast. But no! The maids thought only about themselves. Not a single thought concerned them regarding those they had been hired to serve. So the Father of the Groom replied to the maids, saying, “I know you not!” And shut the door.

  - Hired by the master -

The parable of the 10 virgins (Read Matthew 25) brings to light the great problem that has ever plagued the church of God. In the end, it will be seen that those who are wise have planned on being of service to guide the lost through the darkness. They will consist of those who have devoted themselves wholly to the task of leading others into the kingdom of Heaven. Their commitment caused them to be prepared for the unexpected. Those who are self serving will also discern the coming signs, but they will make a shallow plan for their future. Foolish men hide while wise men guide! And in the end, those who are self serving will fully expect to partake of the rewards of heaven. But could such followers really find joy in the Kingdom of God?

   - Beware of tradition -

Beware of religious men who possess an un-teachable spirit. The five foolish maids believed that the Father’s feast would be like all others. They pre-judged the coming event through their limited knowledge of weddings attended in the past. If they would have carefully researched the facts, it would have been obvious that other weddings had also experienced delay. Yet the foolish were unwilling to heed the advice of their fellow maids and they reaped the curse.

- Not really accidents -

 The term “accident” is a crutch used by those who hide themselves from the realities of truth. Accidents truly have causes. They are caused by the deliberate actions or the willful inactions of individuals. Their selfish actions will create negative consequences for themselves, and for those who do not possess a full understanding of the laws of God. Let us seek with all our hearts to shed ourselves of spiritual pride and receive the teachable Spirit of Christ.

© Words and music by Tim Czapiewski