It is not uncommon for Christians to claim we are living in the last days. But despite the size of the latest earthquake it has been apparent for at least 1500 years that there is a slight delay. Something else is happening.
I know this to be true because the same Christians who point out the ‘rumours of wars’ will have no problem having children. It is not uncommon to see Christians having babies despite Jesus’ teaching of the last days.
“And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! … For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. ” – - Matthew 24:19, 21
With all the jokes about children of woe aside, it seems that Jesus is warning against family planning in such bad times that will accompany the last days.
This is one of the many topics that require careful study and right division. Paul says:
“I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” – 1 Timothy 5:14
Setting aside the issue of gender roles for the moment, Paul clearly states that marriage and children are good things for young women to do.
Clearly there is a difference in context. This proves the need to rightly divide prophecy from mystery information. During this dispensation of grace God is not pouring out his ‘great tribulation’. Neither is it a woeful thing to have children today.
This means that Matthew 24 is not written about us. Instead it is more likely written about Israel going into the great tribulation as prophesied about since the world began.
You are living in a time that has been ‘kept secret since the world began’ (Romans 16:25). This is a fundamental difference in the way you study the scripture and will change the way you view the Lord’s instructions.
< Question Page Published: February 27, 2009
Last Modified: November 18, 2010
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