“When
you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains.”
Mark 13:7-8
Mark 13 [5.] Jesus, answering, began to tell them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and will lead many astray.
Mark 13 [7.] “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains. But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them. The Good News must first be preached to all the nations. When they lead you away and deliver you up, don’t be anxious beforehand, or premeditate what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”
Meaning:
These verses contain a powerful message from Jesus about the tumultuous events that will precede His return. He warns His disciples not to be troubled by wars, rumors of wars, or natural disasters, as these are merely the beginning of the birth pains associated with the end times.
The imagery of birth pains is significant because it conveys a sense of anticipation and inevitability. Just as birth pains signal the imminent arrival of a child, so too do these signs signal the imminent return of Christ and the culmination of God's redemptive plan for humanity.
Jesus' words remind us that while the world may seem chaotic and uncertain, God remains sovereign and in control. These events, though distressing, are part of God's larger plan to bring about the renewal of all things. As Romans 8:22 tells us, "the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time". These birth pains are a precursor to the glorious restoration and renewal that will come with the return of Christ.
Furthermore, Jesus' admonition not to be troubled serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and faith in God's providence. In John 14:1, Jesus tells His disciples, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me". Our confidence is not in the stability of the world or the absence of trials but in the unchanging character of God and His faithfulness to His promises.
The mention of wars, earthquakes, famines, and troubles resonates with the realities of our world today. We see these events occurring with alarming frequency and intensity, serving as reminders of the brokenness and fallenness of creation. Yet, even in the midst of these trials, we can take comfort in the hope of Christ's return and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.
In Matthew 24:6-8, a parallel passage to Mark 13, Jesus speaks similarly about the signs of the end times: "You will hear of wars and rumors 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".
These verses reinforce the message of Mark 13:7-8, emphasizing the inevitability of these events and their significance in signaling the nearing return of Christ.
In conclusion, Mark 13:7-8 provides us with valuable insight into the signs of the end times and the importance of maintaining faith and trust in God's providence. While the world may be marked by turmoil and uncertainty, we can take comfort in the assurance that God remains in control and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. As we await the return of Christ, let us be steadfast in our faith and unwavering in our hope, knowing that He who has promised is faithful.