The lamp is useless without the oil.

Remember the story about the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom? (Matt 25:1) Jesus said this is a story about the kingdom of God. We’re supposed to go after the kingdom of God instead of the things we think we need. So these virgins each had a lamp and each lamp needed oil. Five brought oil, five did not. The five with oil were able to go in with the bridegroom.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Ps 119:105) Oil is a sign of anointing, the presence of the Holy Spirit. So one way to read the story of the virgins is not just to be prepared for Jesus to return, but our absolute need for the Holy Spirit to be with us as we read His Word. The virgins without oil were told, Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you. (Matt 25:12) That’s serious! We have to have the Holy Spirit and the Word of God leading us. There’s no other way to get to the bridegroom. The ten virgins with plenty of oil were not only ready, they are called wise.