September 28 - Pangs of Childbirth

September 28 - Pangs of Childbirth
Matt 24:8, Mark 13:8, Romans 8:22

In Matthew and in Mark, Jesus is talking about signs of the End of the Age.  You’ve heard the words: “wars and rumors of wars … nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom … earthquakes and famines.”  What we miss is the rest of Jesus’ words.  He tells us specifically to not be alarmed and qualifies the entire statement by telling us that these are the beginning of birth pains.

We are to be on our guard.  There will be persecution because we follow Jesus.  But, all of these signs are just the beginning. They are not the end of the story.

While I've never had children, I do know that sometimes the period from the first contraction to the actual birth can take a great deal of time.  For some, it hurries right along, for others it seems to take forever. We can’t assume that we are anywhere but still in the beginning of the birth pains. Jesus told his followers to not be alarmed. Those words ring true with us today. Do not be alarmed.

Paul tells us in Romans 8:22 that all of creation has been groaning in pains like those of childbirth right up until the present time.  Creation has been waiting for the moment when everything will be healthy again and the Creator will once again be acknowledged as its sovereign.

Just like parents anticipate the birth of a new child, we, along with all of creation anticipate that future hope of full redemption and entrance into the holiest of holies, full access to the Lord of Lords and to the Alpha and Omega.  When that day finally comes, we will experience a new heaven and a new earth. There will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain.  Everything that is old will be gone. Everything will be made new (Rev. 21:1-5).

This is still the beginning of the birth pains.  Why are we no further along than that?  Mark tells us in verse ten of chapter thirteen that the gospel must be preached to all nations.  Peter tells us that the Lord is patient because he doesn't want anyone to perish, but wants everyone to come to repentance 2 Peter 3:9).  The day will come, but we are still in the beginning of the birth pains … there is still more to come.