“End-Time Prophecies: Birth Pains”

Last week, we begin a “series” of looking at biblical prophecies that have or must be fulfilled. We started with Israel and today we look at “birth pains”.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:4-8, “Take heed that no one deceives you. ⁵ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. ⁶ You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled. For all these things must happen, but the end is not yet. ⁷ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, epidemics, and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of sorrows (birth pains).”

So, what is meant by the term “birth pains” in regard to bible prophecy?

In the natural sense, the beginning of sorrows or birth pains take place much sooner and are different than the pains of travail or labor. Occasional abdominal discomfort or cramping is not uncommon in the early stages of a pregnancy. But unless the baby is going to be born prematurely, these pains have nothing to do with the severe labor pains associated with the contractions that brings about the birth of a child.

The disciples of Jesus wanted to know, “What is the sign that the end of this age has begun?” The rabbis of that day spoke about two ages: the present age and the age to come (when Messiah comes). So, their question seemed simple that would have a simple answer—but they were wrong.

Jesus answers their question first negatively and then positively. He tells them what will NOT be the sign that the end of the age has begun. This is followed by the sign that will positively point it out.

In verses 4-6, Jesus simply describes what will be characteristic of this age. False messiahs and local wars around the world. He goes on to say, “…For all these things must happen, but the end is not yet…”

In verses 7-8, Jesus revealed the single event that will indicate that the end of the age has begun: “…nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…” This is coupled with famines, pestilence and earthquakes.

In Jesus’ day, the expression of “nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom” was a Jewish idiom of a world war preceding the coming of the Messiah.

If you look at verses 14, 21, 30 and 31 of Matthew 24, you will see the whole world is in view of Jesus revelation to his disciples.

World War 1 was the first world-wide conflict. Most historians will tell you that World War 2 was a continuation of the First World War; both had a decisive impact on Jewish history. The First World War provided the movement for the Zionist Movement, while the Second World War set the stage for the establishment of the modern State of Israel.

Since, these world conflicts, history records great pestilence and famines—too numerous to list here. As to earthquakes, scientific data shows that the number of major earthquakes has increased each century and exponentially so in the last 100 years.

For those that will see it for what it is, the Bible is clear about the times in which we are living. Those that disregard it do so at their own peril.

Jesus told us, “When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.”

I believe it’s true!