First Cries
The first cry did not come. We all stood in the delivery room holding our breath waiting. But it did not come.
The sweet new baby was quickly brought over to the warming station and the call button was pushed for the NICU nurses to come. Minutes seemed to tick by slowly, still no cry and still no nurses. My already racing heart began to beat at a speed I’ve never felt before. A nurse realized the call button was broken, ran to the door and called for help. Seconds later the room was filled with the blessed nurses.
I could feel the mama’s panic in her tightly squeezed hand and automatically found myself begin praying out loud to the Giver of life.
Moments later it came, the distinct sound of a newborn cry. Relief swept through the room. Tears on many faces, including mine.
Being a birth doula (birth coach) places me in a sacred space; that moment when a family brings a new life into the world. The word doula comes from the Greek word meaning the lowest slave. In Scripture Paul says in Romans 1:1, that he is a doulos of Messiah. It is to serve in whatever capacity is needed at the moment; no job is too low for a doula. Eight years of my life have been devoted to serving women and families in childbirth. It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to witness those first cries.
So, when Scripture speaks about the returning Messiah with the metaphor of a laboring woman, my ears perk up.
Now as to the times and dates, brothers, and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord is coming just as a thief [comes unexpectedly and suddenly] in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety [all is well and secure!]” then [in a moment unforeseen] destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains on a woman with child, and they will absolutely not escape [for there will be no way to escape the judgment of the Lord] (1 Thessalonians 5:3 AMP; emphasis mine).
But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs [of the intolerable anguish and the time of unprecedented trouble] (Matthew 24:8 AMP; emphasis mine).
With the current events happening in the world right now there is no doubt in my mind that we are closer to the return of Messiah than ever. Obviously, right? But what concerns me is an attitude I have encountered in the church.
“Isn’t the persecution of the Jewish people part of the birth pangs? That means they will return to Israel and prophecy will continue to be fulfilled. Jesus is coming back. Isn’t this exciting!?”
If we were to dig deeper into this train of thought, it would reveal a lackadaisical heart attitude of some. Basically, “Jesus is returning, and His timeline is set so I am going to sit back and enjoy the show. Popcorn anyone?”
I would ask, would you say that to a laboring woman?
“Labor has begun with contractions and this baby is going to be born soon! Let’s find our spot in the waiting room.”
As a doula the moment I hear the sound of a laboring woman’s cries, I jump into action. I am immediately by her side, offering counterpressure to relieve the pain signals. My mind is assessing what she needs by observing her non-verbals (i.e., a drink of cold water, a cool cloth for her neck, some soothing music to help her focus). God created a woman’s body to produce natural pain-relieving endorphins when in labor, but it takes help from others to activate them.
In the metaphor of Israel being like a laboring woman and these labor pains ultimately a form of God’s judgment (Genesis 3:16), what is being birthed? And what is the role of the church during this time?
I would say, what is being birthed or the life that is coming is the culmination of events in Zechariah 12:10:
I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace (unmerited favor) and supplication. And they will look at Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him as one who weeps bitterly over a firstborn” (AMP).
What is our role as the church at this time?
WE are the douloi (plural form) of God’s people, as the time of Jacob’s trouble approaches. It is the role of the church to love and serve as the lowest slave. To offer comfort and to come alongside.
He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion),
And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]? (Micah 6:8 AMP).
And whoever gives to one of these little ones [these who are humble in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water to drink because he is my disciple, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward (Matthew 10:42 AMP).
The life of a doula is busy to say the least. Some days I find myself up all night working hard to bring comfort and relief, but the rewards fully outweigh the exhaustion.
Likewise, the work ahead of the church will be exhausting. We will be facing hardship as we align our lives in service to the Messiah and to those whom He calls “the apple of His eye” (the Jewish people, Zechariah 2:8). BUT the rewards will be eternal.
Then the King will say to those on His right, “Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God, appointed to eternal salvation], inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me [with help and ministering care]; I was in prison, and you came to Me [ignoring personal danger].” Then the righteous will answer Him, “Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?” The King will answer and say to them, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me” (Matthew 25:34-40 AMP).
Written by Kori, Life in Messiah staff
(1) With antisemitic slogans being heard more frequently, how do you respond to these?
(2) How eagerly do you await His soon return? What action is the Lord calling you to as you wait?
(3) Interested in reading more on Bible prophecy? Check out our newly released book: God Israel and Bible Prophecy.