But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

Matthew 24:8

I just finished a series on what Jesus refers to in the Olivet Discourse as “the beginning of birth pangs”. I summarized them across the synoptic gospels in the last post which is helpful to see the contributions of each to the overall picture. As I’ve said before, the gospel of Matthew is usually the go-to for studying the Olivet Discourse because of its detail and length. Mark tracks pretty well with Matthew and Luke brings in additional information.

These are the things identified by the Lord that begin to happen to the earth in addition to things that begin to happen in the culture. The key to the beginning of the birth pangs is that they all happen together in increasing frequency and intensity. They also seem widespread – even global with the implication that there is a way to observe the signs on a global scale. Are some of the signs “technology statements” as Dr. Chuck Missler used to say? Perhaps. How could it otherwise be possible for first century people to have the ability to observe all these things on such a scale and be able to evaluate them in accordance with the prophecy? I don’t think it was possible. The information flows at the time were too slow and the tech required to monitor things like earthquakes did not exist.

There are many other prophecies the Lord gives us in this important part of the scriptures. Some of them are specifically for the church and are hard prophecies – difficult to accept, particularly for the church in the west, because it speaks of persecution. Persecution is not part of the experience of the church in the United States or other western countries, but I think it soon will be, just as it has been for true believers throughout history and even now in many parts of the world. So the question is not will persecution come – it will – the question is how will we receive it?

Will followers of Christ take a stand for the Word of God and embrace persecution as it comes? I have to say that I think true believers will take a stand. Others with a superficial, shallow, false veneer of faith – those who love the world – won’t. You already see that happening in the Christian entertainment world – big name “worship leaders”, singers, and actors who love the money and fame consistently refuse to take a stand for the Word of God when given the opportunity. Real faith costs something and apparently these people are unwilling to pay the price. Its unfortunate because many young people are influenced by those in media and entertainment.

I have to often check myself: am I am willing to pay the price when I am faced with the choice of this world (the money, possessions, comfort, even freedom itself) or my commitment to the Lord, what will it be? Its an important question that we may all face in the near future – even here in the USA. The Word of God and specifically the Olivet Discourse are provided to us by the Lord for this time in history so we can discern what’s going on in the culture so we can remain vigilant and alert for the sake of ourselves, our families, and the church. Jesus speaks of what we must face. Are you ready? Lets take a look at His hard words:

Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Matthew 24:9-14

But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. The gospel must first be preached to all the nations. When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

Mark 13:9-13

But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My name. Yet not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.

Luke 21:12-19

These predictions were a message about what to expect for all true believers for all of church history. The Lord’s words certainly came true for these men who became Apostles of Christ. They are also certainly true for many of our brothers and sisters throughout the world today. China, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, Nigeria, Niger, Ethiopia, Egypt.

God’s people are heavily persecuted in these countries and many more. It is rarely spoken of in MSM. Persecution will come to the western nations as well. I say again, it’s coming. This is incredibly important to understand because if indeed these are the birth pangs prophecies happening now – and I am convinced they are – then we need to know what to expect and how we should prepare.

I don’t think this is a time to batten down the hatches and retreat into ourselves. I think its a time for boldness with the gospel and a time to live lives worthy of our salvation. The Lord paid a lot for us. It is time to wake up and step up.

Pastors, prepare yourselves and your people.