Labor Pains

Posted on Feb 10, 2022 in Devotions |

Introduction: Any mother knows the different stages of childbirth. On the lighter side, a mom was asked if she had to do it over again, would she have children. After thinking for a while, she shouted, “Yes! But not the same ones!!”

In this devotion, we will consider the words of our Lord Jesus concerning the subject of “labor pains.”

“8For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of SORROWS.” (Mark 13:8)

The word “sorrows” is ὠδίν, which means birth pains. Would you agree that the “birth pains” in relation to this world are intensifying? Jesus said that in His day, and in the last days, this would be the beginning of “SORROWS”- birth pains.
Follow the progression in this most important message that Jesus preached two days before He was crucified for our sins, called the Olivet discourse.

1. Conception stage!

“6For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 7And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. 8For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.” (Mark 13:6-8)

Conception:

False Christs
Wars
Famines
Pestilences
Earthquakes
Iniquity
Persecution

These are “SIGNS” leading up to the second coming of Jesus Christ, but first He will come in the rapture for His Church.
Similarly, weeks and months before Christmas arrives there are plenty of “SIGNS”; i.e. decorations, lights, music, gifts, etc. However, Thanksgiving comes before Christmas but without “SIGNS.” In like manner, the rapture – without signs precedes the Second Coming of Christ which will have plenty of “Signs” as listed here.

Clearly, the conception has already taken place….and labor pains are beginning. Can you tell?

2. Contraction stage!

“14But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains……20And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. 21And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: 22For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 23But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. 24But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken….” (Mark 13:14- 25)

Only one event needs to take place first before these signs begin to intensify drastically. What is that? The rapture of the Church is next on God’s calendar.

However, this “image” or abominable idol will be set up in the temple about midway thru the seven year tribulation (Rev 13:14-18). Needless to say, this is the ABOMINATION of DESOLATION which was spoken of by Daniel and partially fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes. However, this futuristic event is yet to come. Connect the dots in Scripture. Daniel in his seventieth week for Israel, Paul in his description to the Thessalonians, Jesus on the Mount of Olives, and John exiled on the isle of Patmos – all reveal this futuristic plan of the devil made possible by the Antichrist.

3. Completion stage!

“6And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” (Mark 13:26, 27)

This event is called the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, which will follow the seven years of tribulation where the seal, trumpet and vial judgements will be unleashed by Jesus Christ on planet earth.

Conclusion: What should CHRISTians do in the light of these predictions? Jesus forewarned us of what is to come.

“But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.” (Mark 13:23)

Consider the following: “33Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” (Mark 13:33)

With CHRISTian maturity, transparency, unity, and humility, we are to be WATCHMEN and WOMEN upon the walls…lovingly warning others to turn from sin and turn to Jesus! How should we WAIT?

By REJOICING in the Lord because He is on His throne and He is coming again. No devil can stop Him!

By REFRESHING our hearts through the Power of the Holy Spirit…

By RENEWING our minds through the Word of God…

And by REACHING out to others who are not ready to meet Jesus Christ.

Can you feel the “Labor Pains”?

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese