The Beginning of Birth Pains
We live in extraordinary times, and our world is changing rapidly. All of us are now increasingly connected and have access to overwhelming amounts of information. This alone accelerates change at an exponential rate. Globalisation, a shifting geopolitical landscape, religious extremism, activist movements, pandemics, and economic uncertainty continue to cause strain both among and within nations, until inevitable cracks appear and some societies and institutions reach breaking point.
As recorded in Matthew 24, Jesus declared to His disciples certain signs of the times that would signal His return and the end of the age. In conjunction with other Scripture, these signs serve as an important indication and a warning to those of us who witness them.
“Jesus answered: Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, I am the Messiah, and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”
Matthew 24: 4-8
As a mother can testify, birth pains increase in frequency and severity as the time of birth approaches. The events that Jesus spoke about will likewise increase in frequency and severity, even while acting as catalysts to increase the speed of fulfilment of the other prophecies written in Scripture. Certain pivotal events will be used to shape the future of mankind and justify upcoming changes in global structures.
“We stand at a critical moment in earth’s history, a time when humanity must choose its future.”
United Nations – Earth Charter
War, in particular, has been used throughout history to shape society, and it will be a major catalyst in the future. As mankind struggles between faith in God and the solutions proposed by the world, is it possible that our good intentions independent of our Creator could be the vehicle of our own destruction? Could the humanist version of peace destroy us?
“While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”
1 Thessalonians 5:3
Catalysts of Rapid Change
The vocabulary of war has even been insinuated into global health messaging with the latest viral pandemic. There is no parallel in history to the worldwide response to COVID-19. In only a few short months, our societies, priorities, and civil liberties have been radically altered and may never be quite the same – and the circumstances have been cast as a war. Armed with this narrative, governments have declared repeated states of emergency, with institutions afforded special authority that isn’t available during times of peace. It’s an ominous example of just how quickly our lives and this world can change forever.
“There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.”
Luke 21:11
“The Biblical locust plagues of 2020 – Hundreds of billions of locusts swarm in East Africa”
BBC News
Not unlike a major pandemic, viral information can also sweep the globe, in a way that hasn’t been possible before. Selective injustices, or benign events that are meticulously cultivated to appear dangerous, can flood news services and social media feeds, resulting in a tidal wave of outrage calling for radical change.
We have now reached the point where expressions of free thought are censored, and soon, voicing a contrary opinion will have serious consequences. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the “new normal” is protected, upheld, and celebrated, by eradicating free speech that might be viewed as causing harm or contradicting the accepted narrative.
“The pandemic represents a rare but narrow window of opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and reset our world.”
Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum