John 16:21 “Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world.”
Jesus chose the example of the anguish and joy of giving birth to a child to give hope to His disciples who were about to go through deep emotional and spiritual pain. Just as the pain is unavoidable in labor, so the pain of the cross and their anguish was unavoidable. There will be no joy in the arrival of the child unless the pain is endured. In the same way, the disciples had to endure great anguish before the resurrection appearance, which signaled the new birth of the children of God. Peter used the birth figure in his first epistle. Let these words be your live to love with Jesus encouragement today.
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
1 Peter 1:5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
1 Peter 1:7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Expect various trials each day. We are in labor pains. But we do not labor without hope. There is a resurrection—a revelation of the fruit of the seed of the Holy Spirit—to come to the praise and glory and honor to God. Live with expectation of that future joy.
Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com
