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THEY SHALL NOT ESCAPE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
1 Thessalonians 5:3

Revelation 16

 

“…as travail upon
a woman with child;

and they shall not escape.”

 

THEY SHALL NOT ESCAPE
 
To the world that is crying “Peace and safety,” and complacently and irreverently pursuing their kingdoms on this earth, a stark warning is given. There will be a sudden destruction that will come upon them, and there will be no escape.
 
Paul was referring to the events of Jesus’ second coming. It begins with the rapture of the church (1 Thess 5:3) and continues with the seven-year Great Tribulation, “such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matt 24:21). This will be a time of unprecedented calamity and destruction that will fall upon the remaining inhabitants of the earth. The Antichrist, empowered by Satan, will reign over the whole world. It will be a time of unimaginable sufferings, as sinful man is judged by the righteous God (Rev 16:5-7).
 
The analogy that Paul used is that of a woman with child. The word “travail” (1 Thess 5:3) is a term that specifically refers to the birth pangs related to childbirth. It is the pains that a woman experiences as she starts to have contractions, signalling the fact that she has gone into labour. As the labour progresses, the contractions start to become more frequent and more intense, and that is the sure sign that the birth will be soon. Just as how the sudden onset of painful contractions is an unavoidable part of childbirth, so will sudden destruction come upon the earth, and there is nothing that the world can do to stop it. Once the Tribulation begins, there is a set course to follow: the seven seal, trumpet and vial judgments that are described in the book of Revelation. The intensity of sufferings will escalate as the judgments are poured down one after another, just as travails upon a woman with child.
 
It is a fate most terrifying, not one that any of us would want to go through. We would also not want any of our friends, loved ones, no, not even our enemies, to experience this fate. While there is yet time, let us warn all those around us to repent and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ!
 
THOUGHT: Destruction or resurrection? The choice is clear!
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee for Thy abundant grace and mercy that save me from the destruction that I deserve.

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