Birth Pangs – Wars and Rumors of Wars

Second in the list given by Jesus of “the beginnings of birth pangs” is wars and rumors of wars. “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” (Mt. 24:6). Wars (destructive conflict) in Scripture are most always determined to be judgments from God. All of the Old Testament wars Israel was involved in were used by God for judgment on the nations they were fighting or judgment on them by other nations for their Godless behavior. I am certain this is also the case with modern wars and prophesied wars to come. God’s M.O. is well established. Again, to best understand this prophecy, we must imagine ourselves in modern Israel, as most biblical prophecy is Middle East centric. In Israel today, wars and rumors of wars are a daily constant. Israel is surrounded by hostiles such as Hamas and Hezbollah and endures daily threats and rocket attacks. Enemies such as Iran are an existential threat with their constant vitriol and development of nuclear weapons. The IDF is constantly reminding Israeli citizens to prepare for potential war.

The bible seems to indicate that there will be several future wars that must happen prior to the “Great Tribulation” or the final 3.5 years culminating with the return of Jesus. The prophet Daniel speaks of a ram-goat war in chapter 8 out of which the antichrist eventually emerges. This is likely a war between modern day Turkey and Iran (Yavan and Persia). Also, as the 10 nation confederacy of the antichrist is forming, three nations are subdued by the antichrist (Da. 7:8). These and others are likely “beginnings of birth pang” wars. But, as Jesus said, the end is not yet. The wars of the great tribulation (full contractions) ending at Armageddon will be of unimaginable intensity. Once Jesus releases the four horsemen (Rev. 6) judgment of the whole earth will begin. A third of humanity will be killed during the time of the sixth trumpet/bowl alone. (Rev. 9:15,18). In world war 2, the worst war known to mankind, deaths totaled over 50 million. Assuming a world population of 7.5 billion means one third or 2.5 billion will perish in this future war – 50 times ww2 ! This prophecy is certain. Zechariah describes the type of warfare deployed which seems to be nuclear – specifically neutron radiation. “And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, and their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.” (Zechariah 14:12). I’ve had personal work experience handling neutron radiation, and that is exactly the physical effect expected if accidently exposed.

Yes wars are rumored, present, and coming. We can be assured that this sign of the beginnings of birth pangs is current and ongoing. But, remember that Jesus said these things must come to pass, but don’t be troubled. We simply need to be on the right side, the Lord’s army.