“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” – Matthew 24:6-8
Reading the words of Jesus is like reading the news headlines of our day… “Wars, famines, pestilence, earthquakes”, but then Jesus adds, “All these are the beginning of sorrows”. Just the beginning?!
The conflicts that Jesus speaks of in this text have always characterized life in this fallen world, but the key word to understand in this verse is “sorrows”. The word “sorrows” in this text means a birth pang, pain, sorrow, or travail. It refers to labor or childbirth. The events that must happen prior to Christ’s return have happened, are happening, and will happen. The world is in labor, and it began its groaning in the Garden of Eden. (Romans 8:22-23)
Jesus related the progression of these world conflicts to childbirth. There are stages in labor contractions. They begin slowly and gradually and then increase in pain and frequency until the child is born. Jesus used this illustration to help us understand that tribulations will increase in sum and severity before His glorious appearing. (Titus 2:13)
Jesus said, “…In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b) We do not know the extent of tribulation we will have to endure in this world before Jesus returns, but He promises us strength to endure until He takes us home. (Philippians 4:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)
In the meantime, we strive to remain faithful (Luke 13:24, Philippians 1:27-28). Jesus never told us when He will return, but He did tell us to always be ready. (Matthew 25:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)
At some point, this world will scream out its final labor groan, and the great trumpet cry from Heaven will be heard. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53) Are you listening?
Please, if you do not know Jesus, the Savior of the world, click here and learn how you can know Him before it is too late.
In Times Like These 