As we continue our walk through Holy Week, Jesus is with His disciples in front of the temple where He tells them that the temple would be destroyed. That happened in 70 AD. Then his disciples asked Him…
“Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?”
Mark 13:4
Jesus replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.
“When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
“A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Mark 13:5-13 (bold, red emphasis mine)
Jesus tells us not to panic.
These are just the start of the birth pains. I heard a Bible scholar say that the birth pains have been getting stronger and more frequent since 1948, when Israel became a nation. Looking at the last few months, they are definitely getting stronger and more frequent.
Jesus also tells us that we’ll be persecuted for being His followers. That’s happening now and has been happening since Ancient Roman days.
Furthermore, He encourages us by telling us that the Good News — His Gospel — must be preached in all the nations. No other time than this has this been so easy to do. Hey, it’s what I’m doing now! Look at all the churches who have had to go virtual and digital because of COVID-19. People are turning to God. They’re calling it The Great Awakening!
Luke mentions plagues directly:
“There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.”
Luke 21:11
Plagues and pestilence usually lead to famines. The whole world is in an economic crisis.
Read Jesus’s predictions of the end times in the three Gospels, then tell me if what’s going on today with all the earthquakes, locusts, volcanoes and the coronavirus — which falls under plagues and pestilence — aren’t the birth pains.
The Good News is that God’s giving the world a chance.
There are false prophets out there who say that we’re in the tribulation. I don’t believe so. What is happening now is so similar to what is in Jesus’ signs of the end times, that I believe they are just the birth pains. Now, I’ve never had children, however, I’ve seen enough movies to know that birth pains get stronger and more frequent as the baby is close to being born.
I believe that Jesus is coming back any day now. Are you ready?
The Good News is that if you are a true Believer in the Salvation of Jesus Christ, you don’t have to worry! Just like the mother who has to go through the birth pains, eventually it will be over and the baby will be born and there is joy.
We, Christian believers have this eternal hope, peace and joy.
You can have it, too!
If you want the assurance of a 1-way, non-stop ticket to Heaven, this is what you have to do…
Believe. Repent. Be Baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit.
Pray this prayer humbly and wholeheartedly…
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Please forgive me. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. I will follow you for the rest of my life. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Soli Deo Gloria — to God Alone be the Glory!
