“Birth Pain Groanings”

The contractions are getting more frequent and intense.

“Like a woman groaning and writhing in birth pains.”

Yes, that’s the way the Apostle Paul described all of creation in Romans 8:21-22 as it awaits its “glorious deliverance from the bondage of corruption.”  And, this includes all of us: especially those of us who long for Jesus’ Return as He promised (John 14:1-4; Acts 1:9-11).

In reality, these groanings began in the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit.  Suddenly, they were cast out of that perfect Paradise into a world that no longer resembled anything they’d known before.

The lion began killing the lamb. . .snakes began having poisonous fangs. . .the roses began growing thorns. . .the ground began growing thistles. . .the first home experienced the first murder. . .and soon Adam or Eve died, causing the remaining spouse (and family) to inwardly groan in anguish and pain.

Yes, in every generation—every single one—these groanings have grown louder and more intense; however, it seems they’re worse now than ever before: because we’re living in “the days of Noah,” which Jesus said would exist prior to His Return (Matthew 24:36-41).

In the original days of Noah, wickedness was on every hand—but violence and killings were carried out with rocks and clubs.  But, through the centuries, mankind became more sophisticated in his murderous means: to the point where it can be carried out long-distance through bombs, missiles, pandemics, etc.

Thus, we shouldn’t be surprised that Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, which was the Sabbath and an annual celebration of the Torah.  But, many of the 1,200 killed were at the Nova Music Festival: seemingly disregarding and disdaining Israel’s Holy Scriptures.

Likewise, last week’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Iran came while 10,000+ were celebrating Gay Pride week in Israel and gathering down near the Dead Sea (the location of Sodom and Gomorrah).

All of this has seemingly placed Israel in greater danger than before the conflict started last February.  There’s been no regime change and it won’t be long before ancient Persian will once again begin attacking Israel as if nothing happened.

In fact, her relationships with Russia, China and Turkey have grown stronger the past three years: which, according to Old Testament prophecies was forecast to happen.  And, it would seem the U.S. government’s relationship with Israel is an increasing fragile one because of the growing rift between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. 

Then, when you throw in all the hatred, rancor and division that exists in America—along with blatant immorality and idolatry—it’s clear the world’s birth pain groanings are stronger and more painful than ever before.

We try to distract ourselves from these by focusing on the College Baseball World Series, the Knicks’ NBA championship, the Carolina Hurricanes’ first Stanley Cup in 20 years and the ongoing World Cup matches being held in the U.S.  But, deep down inside, we know things aren’t right: for we are a nation (and world) that’s far, far from God.

Yes, violence fills our land.  Graft and corruption permeate every part of society: from the top levels of government to the wooden pew in that small country church.

There’s no doubt that we are a nation that’s lost her way and quite far from the nation our forefathers began 250 years ago.  We’re desperate: looking to anyone and everything to give us hope instead of looking to the only One Who can give it.

That’s why we must “humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s Face and repent:” hoping it’s not too late for Him to “hear our prayer, forgive our sin and heal our land” (II Chronicles 7:14).

Yes, it’ll not be politicians, military power, a strong economy or better education that frees us from sin and ourselves; only Jesus, the One Who took satan’s best shot at Calvary and emerged from the grave three days later can do that.

It’s not a matter of IF things are coming to a head; it’s a matter of how soon and who’ll be ready when the Trumpet sounds.  Are you ready?  Or, are you still playing Russian Roulette with your soul as the people in Noah’s did: believing no Flood was coming??

          (NOTE:  If you’d like to contact Bro. Tom or receive his daily devotional, entitled “Morning Manna,” you can e-mail him at pressingon@hotmail.com).