From Birth Pangs to a Kingdom

When does something that’s happened in the past become a strong predictor of what’s going to happen in the future?  Labor pangs.  Every mother understands this.  First, labor pangs come and go, increase and then subside.  But initial birth pangs are predictors of two things:  more birth pangs and then the birth of a child.

For the mother-to-be there’s no opting out of this process, once the labor pangs begin eventually a child will come forth.

In order that the whole world might understand Jesus uses the analogy of “birth pangs” to describe the coming of His kingdom.  These birth pangs or “signs” have become the stuff of books and movies, usually portending something very “bad".  Now ask yourself, “Is the birth of a child to a loving mother and father (a pattern Jesus would have envisaged) bad?”  No.  “Is the process getting the baby here uncomfortable?”  Yes.  Sometimes extremely so, but necessary.

We’ve had about 2,000 years to get accustomed to the idea Jesus’ Kingdom is coming to earth.  Frequent pray-ers of the “Lord’s Prayer” remember, “Oh, yes, we do pray ‘Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).  Strengthening the idea of Jesus’ return to earth were words spoken by two angels to Jesus’ followers upon His Ascension, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?  This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

Of course, there are folk who could care less about this whole episode, wishing to go on with their lives as they please.  But everything associated with this event is destined to become the biggest life-interrupter of all time.  It’s to remind people everywhere there is a God, they are accountable to Him and that a “saving” relationship with God’s only Son, Jesus, is all that will make it possible for them to “stand” in “that day” which by every reckoning will be a “great and terrible day”.

Back to Jesus’ use of the analogy of birth pangs heralding His coming.  Here are some indicators He mentioned:  wars and rumors of wars; ethnic group rising against ethnic group; kingdom against kingdom; famines; pestilences and earthquakes in unaccustomed places.  Other signs dealt with how His followers would be treated.  Altogether these are warning signs—Jesus is getting ready to come again.

With the signs listed what we need to be on the alert for is their increase in frequency and intensity.  This you can count on as with labor pangs becoming more intense.

The objective of these events is always for a loving God to draw His wayward children to Himself.  If they will not pay attention at one level of intensity, He will increase it.  One thing is for sure, this “count down” can be interrupted by God’s mercy in response to a deep and widespread repentance of His people.  This was demonstrated with the ancient people of Nineveh, against whom judgment had been prophesied by the prophet Jonah.  They repented and forestalled God’s judgment.  This is because God delights to have His “mercy triumph over (His) judgment” (James 2:13b).

Is this not a time to be attuned to the mercies and goodness of God?