August 31: FROM SORROW TO JOY

Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. Revelation 12:2

God’s pronouncement in Genesis 3:16, In pain you shall bring forth children, was initially understood as the physical suffering involved for every mother in the delivery of her baby. Indeed, the disobedience of our first parents ushered curses into our lives. But a closer look at the discipline of the LORD by the meek and humble soul who fully accepts His word provides a very different view; a view of incalculable future blessings.

Think for a moment. At the time of this pronouncement, He already knew that He would bear in His own body (1 Peter 2:24) every consequential curse pronounced upon sinful man; all in order to provide the priceless opportunity for spiritual rebirth for everyone who desires it.

The original Greek word rendered cried out often appears in the Septuagint; and not in the context of giving birth. It is in the context of crying out to God due to the agony of trials and punishments inflicted by persecutors of the righteous by the wicked (Psalm 22:5; 34:6; 107:6,13). Another look in Genesis provides a backdrop: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15) We can quite easily discern that Satan did not take this lying down. Ever since Eden, he has plotted, schemed, lied, and murdered in attempts to foil the Plan of Salvation. Such crying out for justice can be “heard” by our loving LORD, even in the cases of His people who have been silenced by their persecutors (see Genesis 4:10 and Revelation 6:10).

True discipleship has a cost. God’s people are instructed to count the cost (Luke 14:28-35). The pure woman portrayed in Revelation 12 understands that to live for Jesus is worth any cost she may incur. Even the merest glimpse of incalculable future blessings should provide the encouragement we need to stand through trials. “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” (John 15:20) As the bride of Christ, we are to bear children into His kingdom. Yes, there will be pain in bringing them forth. But do not forget that we are aided by the Holy Spirit and by angels. All anguish is soon to be forgotten… Jesus Himself reminds us:

“… your sorrow will be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” John 16:20b-21