Pain

Jesus on the Cross.
Holy Family Shrine
Gretna, Nebraska

Prayer – Lord, we all have pain—although none of us has to endure the ultimate pain that You endured for us on the cross. Thank you! We are unworthy of our aches, pain and suffering. You have paid it all. 

Pain has come to the people like the pain of childbirth, but they are like a child who resists being born. The moment of birth has arrived, but they stay in the womb! Should I ransom them from the grave? Should I redeem them from death? O death, bring on your terrors! O grave, bring on your plagues! For I will not take pity on them. Hosea 13:13-14

 

Meditate. Reflect on pain in your life…and around the world.

 

Childbirth is painful. I’ve been there—I know that! I’m sure every mother can attest to that same issue—even if they had a cesarean. End times scripture studies compare a woman in the travail of childbirth—to the pains of a war. Israel is in a horrific war right now—and like childbirth, it is likely to get more intense. Consider this passage in First Thessalonians, although we know from study Bible notes that the “Day of the Lord” is when Christ’s Second Return before the Millenium as described in Matthew 24 and Revelation 12.

For you know quite well that the day of the Lord's return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, "Everything is peaceful and secure," then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman's labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. But you aren't in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won't be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don't belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6

We don’t know the hour or the day of the rapture of any person—or of Christ’s Return. Isn’t it the same way with childbirth. We can guess—or perhaps the Doctor will set a date to induce labor or perform a cesarean—but otherwise we just have to wait until that baby is ready to be born. We have to go through the increasing levels of pain. That is what Israel is going through now—and when that is accomplished, we can expect a birth of immortal bodies—that will be caught up to God (Revelation 12:5). That will be exciting.

 

Hosea was not prophesying about our time—but giving God’s word to the Israelites in the Northern Kingdom before they were sent into captivity in Babylon. The scripture seems to fit in—to echo—scripture of the End Times concerning a comparison to childbirth. Times are tough…and although there are some praying for peace—it is not likely to happen anytime soon.

 

How should we pray? (Underlined for emphasis.)

Jesus said, "This is how you should pray: "Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. Luke 11:2

 

And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:21-24

 

This means that God's holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus. Revelation 14:12

We may all have to endure some pain—that is part of being human—but keep in mind that even in pain God has promised He will never leave us or forsake us.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ (Paul’s message to Timothy.) So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:10

 

© 2023 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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