What the Bible says about Labor Pains as Metaphor
(From Forerunner Commentary)

Jeremiah 30:4-6 God is setting the stage to help us to understand the times that confront us, and that are just ahead of us. We are moving toward a time that is unique in the history of man—as unique as a man giving birth to a child and being in the throes of labor. No historian has ever seen the kind of times that are just around the corner. Unless God has a place of safety for us, then we are going to find ourselves involved in these unique times that are coming. John W. Ritenbaugh A Place of Safety? (Part 1) Related Topics: God's Protection | Labor Pains as Metaphor | Pains of Labor Metaphor | Place of Safety

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 The apostle speaks of those who are unaware ("they"), who are not paying attention to the signs of the times. A pregnant woman clearly shows that she is ready to give birth to her child. However, though her status is known, no one can pinpoint the exact time that the contractions will begin. A woman's labor pains parallel the signs of the times. No one will be able to pinpoint the exact time of Christ's arrival, but we can know that it is near and be prepared. John W. Ritenbaugh The World, the Church, and Laodiceanism Related Topics: Birth Analogy | Birth Pang Metaphor | Jesus Christ's Return | Labor Pains as Metaphor | Pregnancy as Metaphor | Signs of the Times

1 Thessalonians 5:1 Compare this to Acts 1:6-8. They had learned a great deal in the intervening nineteen years. John W. Ritenbaugh Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic Related Topics: Birth Pang Metaphor | Jesus Christ's Return | Labor Pains as Metaphor | Pregnancy as Metaphor | Return of Jesus Christ | Signs of Christ's Return | Signs of the Times | Thief Imagery | Thief in the Night