As labor pains go, we know that as the time approaches the birth of a child, these pains get closure and closer together until they seem to all run together, and finally all attention is focussed on the event that controls everything, the birth of a new life. If this just the beginning, then what have we to look forward to? Let us back up a bit and look at a few other things that Jesus said.
He had already told them that the temple they were standing in front of would be levelled to the ground (Matt. 24:2, Lk. 21:6) which happened in 70 A.D. when the Roman emperor Titus destroyed the whole city of Jerusalem. He had also proclaimed judgment upon Capernaum, "...for it the miracles had occurred in Sodom which accurredin you, it would have remained until this day. Nevertheless I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you" (Matt.11:23 & 24). Capernaum no longer exists.
He said the people would fall by the edge of the sword, and would be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem would be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the limes of the Gentiles be fulfilled (Lk. 21:24). This has all happened, and now as we are reaching the close of the age of the Gentiles, the Jews, after nearly two thousand years have gone back to their home land.
We can see just from a very few examples that Jesus is true to his word.
Along with the labor pains he warded us that there would be many false Christs and false prophets who would arise and show great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect (Matt. 24:5, 11, 24).
"And there will be signs in sun, and moon and stars, and upon the earth dismay among the nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken" (Lk. 21:25 & 26).
"Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation (idle or frivolous amusement or diversion, indulgence;) and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of the all the earth. But keep on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things tha tare about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Lk. 21:34-36). "For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying 'Peace and safety!' then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape" (1 Thess. 5:2 & 3).
You may be going through a stuggle this very moment and you recogniz the birth pangs,and you fell that you have to make a decision. That is good because the Bible tells us that the Spirit of God will not strive with man forever (Gen. 6:3, 2 Thess. 2:11 & 12). Today is the day of salvation. You do not know if you will get another chance.
You may be like the people that Peter was speaking to a Pentecost, "they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brethern, what shall we do?' And Peter said to them. 'Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (Acts. 2:37 & 38).
"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved" (Act 4:12).
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