A QUESTION:
good morning sister D,
ever since we fell pregnant I have been thinking a lot about Jesus' words at Matt.24:19,20
"Woe to the pregnant women and those nursing a baby in those days! 20 Keep praying that your flight may not occur in wintertime nor on the Sabbath day".
I know you interpret these signs in a spiritual way and I have read the article concerned. Can you explain more about what Jesus meant when he said the above?
many thanks
Modise
MY REPLY:
Hello Modise,
It is wonderful to hear from you again.
Since your question is concerning a verse from Matthew, chapter 24;
I will add my reply to the unfinished Blog which is dedicated to that chapter.
I tell you this, so that if you wish to read the reply with pop-up scriptures,
you can do so there, under verse 19.
Here is the link:
pearl-matthew24.blogspot.com
Because you refer to your wife's pregnancy and it reminding you of what Christ said;
I will focus on verse 19 and the symbolic meaning of nursing mothers and pregnant women;
leaving the symbolism of "Winter" and "Sabbath" for another time.
First, it may help to explain why I am convinced that these verses in Matthew chapter 24 have a symbolic interpretation in our time, and not an obvious physical one (Luke17:20,21,22,23).
That reasoning is explained in this article: ( pearl-sign.blogspot.com )
---------------------------
In speaking of conditions during the Great Tribulation,
Matt.24:19 reads;
"But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!"
We know that this sign did have a literal fulfillment in 70 C.E., when the religious system under the Old Covenant was abandoned by God (due to the unfaithfulness of the Jews) and His favor, given to Chosen ones from all nations (Matt.23:31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38; 21:42,43,45; Exo.19:5,6; Jer.11:10,11; 14:2,12; Eze.16:59; Zech.7:13; Acts13:45,46,47)
(1Pet.2:5,9,10; Rev.5:9,10).
This change of favor was due to the Jew's general rejection of the foretold Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matt.27:1,20,22,25; John19:15,16; Acts4:10,11,12).
There are two covenants (Gal.4:22,23,24,25,26). The first one (with literal Israel/Jews) came to a conclusion when it's purpose was fulfilled (Matt.5:17; Gal.3:18,19,16,29; 2:21; Heb.8:7,13).
The second (with spiritual Israel/Jews -Gal.6:15,16; Rom.2:28,29; Gal.3:29) will also conclude, when it's purpose is fulfilled (Eph.1:10; Col.1:20; 1Cor.11:26; Rev.7:3,4; 14:1; 10:7; Dan.7:18,22,27; Matt.16:27; Rev.11:16,17,18,19)
For more information on this, please consider:
(4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/in-response-to-jan.html)
and
(4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-second-system-to-end.html)
and
(4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/imagine-yourself-back-in-first-century.html)
My point, is that the present religious system couched around God's New Covenant with His chosen nation; whose expanded surrounding system and age/era, which has been arranged and constructed by men (Matt.15:9; Mark7:3,13; Isa.28:10,13),
will also come to a conclusion when it's core covenant (promises of God and Christ) and central purposes, are fulfilled.
(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/imagine-yourself-back-in-first-century.html)
This is compared to a harvest at the end of the age (conclusion of system/arrangement/era) that will segregate the faithful from those who are rejected as unfit for inheriting God's Kingdom.
(Matt.25:31,32,33,34,41; Rev.20:10,12,15; Matt.13:36,37,38,39,40)
The question is,
how should all the signs ("birth pangs" -Mark13:8) Jesus gave to indicate the nearness of the end,
be interpreted now? How will their meaning be fulfilled, regarding the present age/arrangement/era/system, today?
We know those signs had a literal fulfillment in first Century Jerusalem.
We know that the "Jerusalem" of the New Covenant is symbolic and spiritual (Gal.4:26; Rev.21:2).
If you read the article mentioned above (pearl-sign.blogspot.com)
you have examined the scriptural evidence that the signs, illustrations, and parables Jesus gave us in Matt.24 concerning the end we face,
are now to be interpreted in a spiritual sense.
What then, is the spiritual, symbolic meaning, of Matt.24:19?
How will symbolic women be "pregnant", have "labor pains", and "nurse" their children
in a spiritual sense? How will such a spiritual situation cause woe, as the "end of all things" arrives?
(Matt.13:34,35,13,16; 1Pet.4:7; Matt.24:21,22,19)
As with all true interpretation, we must find our answer in the scriptures.
Who are the "pregnant women", and who are symbolized by the babes they carry?
Please consider:
(Gal.4:24,26; Rev.12:1,2,5; Rev.2:26,27; Eph.2:6; 1:3; 3John1:4; Gal.4:19; Eph.4:13; John16:20-22; John3:3,4,5,6,7; 1:13)
Not all who are called to the path of Christ, become chosen and sealed
(Matt.22:14; 1Cor.9:24,25,26,27; Rom.8:28; Eph.4:30; Rev.7:4; 17:14; Phil.3:14; Gal.5:7,8; 1:6)
Those who do become sealed to inherit the promises of God made to Abraham (Gen.17:1,2; 28:12,13,14,17; Gal.3:29),
become members of the Bride/Covenant/Jerusalem above (Isa.62:6; Rev.3:12; Jer.1:18; Isa.42:6,7; 49:6,8; 60:1,2,3; Acts13:47, Zech.12:3; Dan.2:34,35).
Having gained their citizenship in heaven (Eph.2:6; Phil.3:20; 1Cor.15:48; Col.3:1; Heb.12:22,23) they have become the New Creation (2Cor.5:16,17; Gal.6:15; James1:18; 1Pet.1:3,23; Rom.8:29,30,31), possessing an unseen eternal spirit within their body of flesh (John3:6,7,15,16,36; 5:24; 6:47,50; 11:26; 8:51; 10:28; 1John3:14; 5:11,12,13).
The reproductive "seed" of spirit life, is the Word of God (1Pet.1:23; Luke8:11; James1:18).
If one's heart is "fertile", that seed will grow and mature (Luke8:15,8; Mark4:26,27,28,29; Col.1:9,10), and Satan (who tries to snatch that truth away --Luke8:12,5; Matt.13:19) will not be able to, because the seed of truth remains in them (1John3:9; John3:8; Ec.11:5,6; Eph.5:11) because it is treasured and cared for (2Pet.1:8; Matt.13:12,11).
The heart in which the "seed" grows, can be compared to a womb, that belongs to the "mother" covenant of life (Gal.4:26,24). If the seed of life (God's Word) comes to maturity within that heart, a son of the kingdom is born within.
Satan sows misleading lies in our heart, as "weeds" (Eph.4:22; 2Thess.2:10; James1:15; Matt.13:25; 1Pet.2:11). As those deceptive desires and illusions/"weeds" grow and mature, they choke out the word from our heart (Matt.13:7; Luke8:7,14).
When these seeds come to maturity within a heart (womb of death covenant/"mother" -Rev.17:5; Isa.28:15), that heart is full of weeds/thorns. The identity within that heart then, is a weed/son of the wicked one (Matt.13:38; Ps.37:1,2; Eze.2:6; 28:24; 2Sam.23:6; Isa.51:12; Micah7:4).
These two types of seed grow to maturity within each heart. Those who result, exist side by side, until the harvest [Matt.13:26,30,38,39,40,41; 24:40,41,42; Matt.13:41,42; (Isa.24:6; Jer.5:14; Ps.35:15,16; 37:12) Matt.13:43; (Hosea6:5; Ps.37:6) Matt.13:40; (Jer.23:29,28; 5:14; Rev.11:5; Isa.62:1)]
Mature hearts/plants/trees will bear fruit, which contain more seed just like them (Gen.1:11; Matt.12:33,34,35,36,37).
Other hearts are offered that seed, contained within that fruit (Matt.7:20; John15:8,16; Ec.11:6,5; 2Cor.9:13,14,15; Col.1:23; 2Tim.4:2; Heb.13:15; Prov.18:20,21; Luke6:45; 1Thess.2:13).
Once seeds in the heart have been cultivated, grown and matured;
the dominant heart of a son of the kingdom, is filled with wheat seed (Prov.2:1; Matt.13:12,23; Luke8:8). This is proven by what he speaks and teaches, and where/who that teaching comes from (John8:31; 7:18; 4:24; 1Cor.3:13; (Jer.23:29); Matt.7:24; 10:20; 2Cor.5:19,20) (John8:42,43,44,45,47,37,38; 2Cor.11:14,15,13; Hosea8:7; 10:13).
A heart filled with cultivated wheat/truth/scripture that is bearing/sharing/teaching, (fine fruit) filled with the truth of God... can therefore be viewed and identified as wheat, or, as a son of the kingdom (Matt.13:37,38; 7:20).
Here is the connection between "wheat" bearing seed, and "mothers"...
(Ps.126:6,5; John16:22,21; Gal.6:9; Rev.12:2,5; Gal.4:19; 6:9,10; Eph.2:19,21; 1Cor.6:19; John2:21; 1Cor.12:27,28).
Hopefully from a close examination of the foregoing scriptures,
you can perceive that all the wheat are called ones (they have had the spirit and word, planted in their heart), and that the "mothers" are sealed chosen ones (mature sons of the kingdom), who are laboring for/giving birth, to (producing a crop from their own seed) other called ones who are not yet sealed/matured, as a wheat harvest (Rom.1:13; 2Tim.2:10; Rev.14:14,15,16).
This occurs due to sowing seeds of truth and cultivating them, in yet others who cultivate and are sanctified by, the word of life (James1:21; 1Cor.3:6; 1Cor.9:9,10,11,12,13,14; 1Pet.5:2,3,4; Col.1:24,28; Eph.1:18) (John17:17; Eph.5:26). By this work, the workers themselves are also fed (1Tim.5:18; 1Cor.9:14; John4:36).
It is also true, that while an individual is still trying to bring about their own stature as a son of the kingdom (bring the Word/seed to full maturity -Eph.4:13), they too are enduring "labor pains" in their heart.
But this gathering of mature called ones is only the first harvest of firstfruits.
(James1:18; Rev.14:4; Heb.12:23; Jer.2:3; Rom.8:23; Rev.20:6).
All these "firstborn" belong to God (Ex.13:2; Num.3:12,13; Neh.10:36), and must be brought into His service for the sake of all the priests (Prov.3:9; Deut.26:2,4; Num.18:7,13,15,17,18,21; Eph.4:11,12,13,14,15,16; 2Tim.2:10)
The spiritual prosperity of all harvests (first, and thereafter), depends upon this priestly sacrifice (Mal.3:10; Eze.44:30; Rom.12:1; 6:13; 15:16; 1Pet.2:5; Phil.2:17; 2Cor.12:15; 2Tim.4:6; 1John3:16).
The entire harvest includes more than just the firstfruits (1Tim.2:3,4; 4:10; John5:24; 4:36; Matt.10:40,41; 1John2:2; John3:16; Acts26:18; 20:32; Col.1:6,10; Rom.8:17)..
We all must protect and cultivate our hearts (Prov.4:23,24,25,26,27,20,21,22,23,10,13; Rom.12:2; Eph.5:9,10; Gal.6:7,8,9; Job 4:8). We receive support for this cultivation from mature ones (1Cor.3:6,8,9; John4:37,36; 2Cor.9:6; Gal.6:9). God makes the seed grow (1Cor.3:6,7; Ec.11:5; John3:8; Ps.1:3; 92:12,13; Matt.15:13; Isa.61:3,11; 4:2; 60:21; John15:1,2,6,8). Once fully mature, Christ harvests us into his storehouse...or not... (Matt.3:12; Amos9:9; Isa.30:28; 2Thess.2:11,10,12).
We firstfruits must "die" to produce both seed and bread to the eater (John12:24,25; Romans6:5,3,4; 1Cor.15:36,37,38; 2Cor.9:10; Hosea10:12).
Just as a natural growth process of seed into mature plant ensues,
so too does the spiritual growth of truth within a heart, if the soil is good. (Luke13:8,9; 8:15)
Those who do not have a receptive heart, will cultivate weeds, and at the time of harvest will then be identified as a weed, or, "son of the wicked one".
James1:21; 1Thess.2:13; Matt.28:19,20
The sealed ones, nurture and care for those not yet sealed (John21:17; 1Cor.3:6; 15:1; 9:1; 4:15; Rev.7:3), as Paul labored to care for others spiritually, until they were brought to their spiritual birth (1Tim.1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 1:10; Rom.8:22).
The sealed ones are used to impart life, as a literal mother would carry an unborn child.
They have become the heavenly mother covenant, to bring light and life to those who are as yet, "Gentiles" under "darkness"
(Isa.42:6,7; Rev.13:10; Acts13:47; Luke2:32; Rom.2:28,29).
After these are brought to "birth" (Gal.4:19; Rev.12:5; 2:26,27);
they must continue under the care of the mature, until their perceptive powers become firm (2Tim.3:14; 1:13; 2Thess.3:7; Rom.15:1; 1Cor.3:1; 14:20; 9:22; 4:16; 11:1,2; Col.1:28,29; 2Pet.3:18; 1:8,11; Phil.1:9; Heb.5:14; 6:1; Philemon 1:6; 1Thess.1:5,6; 2:8; 3:12; 4:1; Eph.1:17,18; 1Pet.5:10)
During the time that their "children" in the Lord are still "babes",
those mature can be illustrated as those "nursing a babe" (1Thess.2:7; 1Pet.2:2; Matt.24:19) and their babes as "needing breast milk" (Heb.5:13; 1Cor.3:2).
Understanding these symbols,
we then perceive that during the Great Tribulation of Matthew chapter 24;
the faithful Chosen Ones would have great difficulty and "woe" in caring for those in their charge.
(Rev.12:1,2; Luke23:29; John16:20,21,22; Isa.21:3; 26:17)
Because of the hostile spiritual climate surrounding them ("Winter")...
teaching the immature and weak would be with great difficulty.
Why?
Jesus warns of a competing presence of false prophets, successful false teachers,
convincing and misleading false doctrines inspired by demons, with every Satanic sign and portent designed to mislead, if possible, even those of the heavenly calling (Matt.24:4,5,24,25; 1Tim.4:1; Rev.16:13; 13:7,11,14; 2Thess.2:9,10; 2Tim.3:13; Rev.2:20,24,25).
All this would occur while the true and faithful are being depicted and misrepresented, as shameful, false, and evil
(John16:2; Isa.66:5; Luke21:16,17; Matt.10:22; 5:11,12; 24:9; Heb.13:13).
The cross reference in Luke 21:23,24 helps to make this clearer...
(23) "Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land and wrath to this people; (24) and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations ("Jerusalem's" children) (Rev.13:10); and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles (mother "Jerusalem")(Rev.11:2) until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."
It is while under this pall of spiritual famine, disrepute, persecution, and unjust slander that this agonized "mother" must try to save and nurture her children, while these are enslaved and captive to Satanic deception.
(Rev.13:6,7,10; 11:2; Dan.7:25; 12:7,4,10,3; Rev.12:2)
I hope a consideration of the cited scriptures address your question and care for the answer you seek, as to the meaning of Matt.24:19, and how it is applied today in a symbolic sense. If they are not sufficient, please follow up.
Thank you for your good question.
May Holy Spirit bless you with increasing understanding and insight,
resulting in life eternal.
Love in Christ,
Pearl
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good morning sister D,
ever since we fell pregnant I have been thinking a lot about Jesus' words at Matt.24:19,20
"Woe to the pregnant women and those nursing a baby in those days! 20 Keep praying that your flight may not occur in wintertime nor on the Sabbath day".
I know you interpret these signs in a spiritual way and I have read the article concerned. Can you explain more about what Jesus meant when he said the above?
many thanks
Modise
MY REPLY:
Hello Modise,
It is wonderful to hear from you again.
Since your question is concerning a verse from Matthew, chapter 24;
I will add my reply to the unfinished Blog which is dedicated to that chapter.
I tell you this, so that if you wish to read the reply with pop-up scriptures,
you can do so there, under verse 19.
Here is the link:
pearl-matthew24.blogspot.com
Because you refer to your wife's pregnancy and it reminding you of what Christ said;
I will focus on verse 19 and the symbolic meaning of nursing mothers and pregnant women;
leaving the symbolism of "Winter" and "Sabbath" for another time.
First, it may help to explain why I am convinced that these verses in Matthew chapter 24 have a symbolic interpretation in our time, and not an obvious physical one (Luke17:20,21,22,23).
That reasoning is explained in this article: ( pearl-sign.blogspot.com )
---------------------------
In speaking of conditions during the Great Tribulation,
Matt.24:19 reads;
"But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!"
We know that this sign did have a literal fulfillment in 70 C.E., when the religious system under the Old Covenant was abandoned by God (due to the unfaithfulness of the Jews) and His favor, given to Chosen ones from all nations (Matt.23:31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38; 21:42,43,45; Exo.19:5,6; Jer.11:10,11; 14:2,12; Eze.16:59; Zech.7:13; Acts13:45,46,47)
(1Pet.2:5,9,10; Rev.5:9,10).
This change of favor was due to the Jew's general rejection of the foretold Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matt.27:1,20,22,25; John19:15,16; Acts4:10,11,12).
There are two covenants (Gal.4:22,23,24,25,26). The first one (with literal Israel/Jews) came to a conclusion when it's purpose was fulfilled (Matt.5:17; Gal.3:18,19,16,29; 2:21; Heb.8:7,13).
The second (with spiritual Israel/Jews -Gal.6:15,16; Rom.2:28,29; Gal.3:29) will also conclude, when it's purpose is fulfilled (Eph.1:10; Col.1:20; 1Cor.11:26; Rev.7:3,4; 14:1; 10:7; Dan.7:18,22,27; Matt.16:27; Rev.11:16,17,18,19)
For more information on this, please consider:
(4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/in-response-to-jan.html)
and
(4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-second-system-to-end.html)
and
(4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/imagine-yourself-back-in-first-century.html)
My point, is that the present religious system couched around God's New Covenant with His chosen nation; whose expanded surrounding system and age/era, which has been arranged and constructed by men (Matt.15:9; Mark7:3,13; Isa.28:10,13),
will also come to a conclusion when it's core covenant (promises of God and Christ) and central purposes, are fulfilled.
(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/imagine-yourself-back-in-first-century.html)
This is compared to a harvest at the end of the age (conclusion of system/arrangement/era) that will segregate the faithful from those who are rejected as unfit for inheriting God's Kingdom.
(Matt.25:31,32,33,34,41; Rev.20:10,12,15; Matt.13:36,37,38,39,40)
The question is,
how should all the signs ("birth pangs" -Mark13:8) Jesus gave to indicate the nearness of the end,
be interpreted now? How will their meaning be fulfilled, regarding the present age/arrangement/era/system, today?
We know those signs had a literal fulfillment in first Century Jerusalem.
We know that the "Jerusalem" of the New Covenant is symbolic and spiritual (Gal.4:26; Rev.21:2).
If you read the article mentioned above (pearl-sign.blogspot.com)
you have examined the scriptural evidence that the signs, illustrations, and parables Jesus gave us in Matt.24 concerning the end we face,
are now to be interpreted in a spiritual sense.
What then, is the spiritual, symbolic meaning, of Matt.24:19?
How will symbolic women be "pregnant", have "labor pains", and "nurse" their children
in a spiritual sense? How will such a spiritual situation cause woe, as the "end of all things" arrives?
(Matt.13:34,35,13,16; 1Pet.4:7; Matt.24:21,22,19)
As with all true interpretation, we must find our answer in the scriptures.
Who are the "pregnant women", and who are symbolized by the babes they carry?
Please consider:
(Gal.4:24,26; Rev.12:1,2,5; Rev.2:26,27; Eph.2:6; 1:3; 3John1:4; Gal.4:19; Eph.4:13; John16:20-22; John3:3,4,5,6,7; 1:13)
Not all who are called to the path of Christ, become chosen and sealed
(Matt.22:14; 1Cor.9:24,25,26,27; Rom.8:28; Eph.4:30; Rev.7:4; 17:14; Phil.3:14; Gal.5:7,8; 1:6)
Those who do become sealed to inherit the promises of God made to Abraham (Gen.17:1,2; 28:12,13,14,17; Gal.3:29),
become members of the Bride/Covenant/Jerusalem above (Isa.62:6; Rev.3:12; Jer.1:18; Isa.42:6,7; 49:6,8; 60:1,2,3; Acts13:47, Zech.12:3; Dan.2:34,35).
Having gained their citizenship in heaven (Eph.2:6; Phil.3:20; 1Cor.15:48; Col.3:1; Heb.12:22,23) they have become the New Creation (2Cor.5:16,17; Gal.6:15; James1:18; 1Pet.1:3,23; Rom.8:29,30,31), possessing an unseen eternal spirit within their body of flesh (John3:6,7,15,16,36; 5:24; 6:47,50; 11:26; 8:51; 10:28; 1John3:14; 5:11,12,13).
The reproductive "seed" of spirit life, is the Word of God (1Pet.1:23; Luke8:11; James1:18).
If one's heart is "fertile", that seed will grow and mature (Luke8:15,8; Mark4:26,27,28,29; Col.1:9,10), and Satan (who tries to snatch that truth away --Luke8:12,5; Matt.13:19) will not be able to, because the seed of truth remains in them (1John3:9; John3:8; Ec.11:5,6; Eph.5:11) because it is treasured and cared for (2Pet.1:8; Matt.13:12,11).
The heart in which the "seed" grows, can be compared to a womb, that belongs to the "mother" covenant of life (Gal.4:26,24). If the seed of life (God's Word) comes to maturity within that heart, a son of the kingdom is born within.
Satan sows misleading lies in our heart, as "weeds" (Eph.4:22; 2Thess.2:10; James1:15; Matt.13:25; 1Pet.2:11). As those deceptive desires and illusions/"weeds" grow and mature, they choke out the word from our heart (Matt.13:7; Luke8:7,14).
When these seeds come to maturity within a heart (womb of death covenant/"mother" -Rev.17:5; Isa.28:15), that heart is full of weeds/thorns. The identity within that heart then, is a weed/son of the wicked one (Matt.13:38; Ps.37:1,2; Eze.2:6; 28:24; 2Sam.23:6; Isa.51:12; Micah7:4).
These two types of seed grow to maturity within each heart. Those who result, exist side by side, until the harvest [Matt.13:26,30,38,39,40,41; 24:40,41,42; Matt.13:41,42; (Isa.24:6; Jer.5:14; Ps.35:15,16; 37:12) Matt.13:43; (Hosea6:5; Ps.37:6) Matt.13:40; (Jer.23:29,28; 5:14; Rev.11:5; Isa.62:1)]
Mature hearts/plants/trees will bear fruit, which contain more seed just like them (Gen.1:11; Matt.12:33,34,35,36,37).
Other hearts are offered that seed, contained within that fruit (Matt.7:20; John15:8,16; Ec.11:6,5; 2Cor.9:13,14,15; Col.1:23; 2Tim.4:2; Heb.13:15; Prov.18:20,21; Luke6:45; 1Thess.2:13).
Once seeds in the heart have been cultivated, grown and matured;
the dominant heart of a son of the kingdom, is filled with wheat seed (Prov.2:1; Matt.13:12,23; Luke8:8). This is proven by what he speaks and teaches, and where/who that teaching comes from (John8:31; 7:18; 4:24; 1Cor.3:13; (Jer.23:29); Matt.7:24; 10:20; 2Cor.5:19,20) (John8:42,43,44,45,47,37,38; 2Cor.11:14,15,13; Hosea8:7; 10:13).
A heart filled with cultivated wheat/truth/scripture that is bearing/sharing/teaching, (fine fruit) filled with the truth of God... can therefore be viewed and identified as wheat, or, as a son of the kingdom (Matt.13:37,38; 7:20).
Here is the connection between "wheat" bearing seed, and "mothers"...
(Ps.126:6,5; John16:22,21; Gal.6:9; Rev.12:2,5; Gal.4:19; 6:9,10; Eph.2:19,21; 1Cor.6:19; John2:21; 1Cor.12:27,28).
Hopefully from a close examination of the foregoing scriptures,
you can perceive that all the wheat are called ones (they have had the spirit and word, planted in their heart), and that the "mothers" are sealed chosen ones (mature sons of the kingdom), who are laboring for/giving birth, to (producing a crop from their own seed) other called ones who are not yet sealed/matured, as a wheat harvest (Rom.1:13; 2Tim.2:10; Rev.14:14,15,16).
This occurs due to sowing seeds of truth and cultivating them, in yet others who cultivate and are sanctified by, the word of life (James1:21; 1Cor.3:6; 1Cor.9:9,10,11,12,13,14; 1Pet.5:2,3,4; Col.1:24,28; Eph.1:18) (John17:17; Eph.5:26). By this work, the workers themselves are also fed (1Tim.5:18; 1Cor.9:14; John4:36).
It is also true, that while an individual is still trying to bring about their own stature as a son of the kingdom (bring the Word/seed to full maturity -Eph.4:13), they too are enduring "labor pains" in their heart.
But this gathering of mature called ones is only the first harvest of firstfruits.
(James1:18; Rev.14:4; Heb.12:23; Jer.2:3; Rom.8:23; Rev.20:6).
All these "firstborn" belong to God (Ex.13:2; Num.3:12,13; Neh.10:36), and must be brought into His service for the sake of all the priests (Prov.3:9; Deut.26:2,4; Num.18:7,13,15,17,18,21; Eph.4:11,12,13,14,15,16; 2Tim.2:10)
The spiritual prosperity of all harvests (first, and thereafter), depends upon this priestly sacrifice (Mal.3:10; Eze.44:30; Rom.12:1; 6:13; 15:16; 1Pet.2:5; Phil.2:17; 2Cor.12:15; 2Tim.4:6; 1John3:16).
The entire harvest includes more than just the firstfruits (1Tim.2:3,4; 4:10; John5:24; 4:36; Matt.10:40,41; 1John2:2; John3:16; Acts26:18; 20:32; Col.1:6,10; Rom.8:17)..
We all must protect and cultivate our hearts (Prov.4:23,24,25,26,27,20,21,22,23,10,13; Rom.12:2; Eph.5:9,10; Gal.6:7,8,9; Job 4:8). We receive support for this cultivation from mature ones (1Cor.3:6,8,9; John4:37,36; 2Cor.9:6; Gal.6:9). God makes the seed grow (1Cor.3:6,7; Ec.11:5; John3:8; Ps.1:3; 92:12,13; Matt.15:13; Isa.61:3,11; 4:2; 60:21; John15:1,2,6,8). Once fully mature, Christ harvests us into his storehouse...or not... (Matt.3:12; Amos9:9; Isa.30:28; 2Thess.2:11,10,12).
We firstfruits must "die" to produce both seed and bread to the eater (John12:24,25; Romans6:5,3,4; 1Cor.15:36,37,38; 2Cor.9:10; Hosea10:12).
Just as a natural growth process of seed into mature plant ensues,
so too does the spiritual growth of truth within a heart, if the soil is good. (Luke13:8,9; 8:15)
Those who do not have a receptive heart, will cultivate weeds, and at the time of harvest will then be identified as a weed, or, "son of the wicked one".
James1:21; 1Thess.2:13; Matt.28:19,20
The sealed ones, nurture and care for those not yet sealed (John21:17; 1Cor.3:6; 15:1; 9:1; 4:15; Rev.7:3), as Paul labored to care for others spiritually, until they were brought to their spiritual birth (1Tim.1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 1:10; Rom.8:22).
The sealed ones are used to impart life, as a literal mother would carry an unborn child.
They have become the heavenly mother covenant, to bring light and life to those who are as yet, "Gentiles" under "darkness"
(Isa.42:6,7; Rev.13:10; Acts13:47; Luke2:32; Rom.2:28,29).
After these are brought to "birth" (Gal.4:19; Rev.12:5; 2:26,27);
they must continue under the care of the mature, until their perceptive powers become firm (2Tim.3:14; 1:13; 2Thess.3:7; Rom.15:1; 1Cor.3:1; 14:20; 9:22; 4:16; 11:1,2; Col.1:28,29; 2Pet.3:18; 1:8,11; Phil.1:9; Heb.5:14; 6:1; Philemon 1:6; 1Thess.1:5,6; 2:8; 3:12; 4:1; Eph.1:17,18; 1Pet.5:10)
During the time that their "children" in the Lord are still "babes",
those mature can be illustrated as those "nursing a babe" (1Thess.2:7; 1Pet.2:2; Matt.24:19) and their babes as "needing breast milk" (Heb.5:13; 1Cor.3:2).
Understanding these symbols,
we then perceive that during the Great Tribulation of Matthew chapter 24;
the faithful Chosen Ones would have great difficulty and "woe" in caring for those in their charge.
(Rev.12:1,2; Luke23:29; John16:20,21,22; Isa.21:3; 26:17)
Because of the hostile spiritual climate surrounding them ("Winter")...
teaching the immature and weak would be with great difficulty.
Why?
Jesus warns of a competing presence of false prophets, successful false teachers,
convincing and misleading false doctrines inspired by demons, with every Satanic sign and portent designed to mislead, if possible, even those of the heavenly calling (Matt.24:4,5,24,25; 1Tim.4:1; Rev.16:13; 13:7,11,14; 2Thess.2:9,10; 2Tim.3:13; Rev.2:20,24,25).
All this would occur while the true and faithful are being depicted and misrepresented, as shameful, false, and evil
(John16:2; Isa.66:5; Luke21:16,17; Matt.10:22; 5:11,12; 24:9; Heb.13:13).
The cross reference in Luke 21:23,24 helps to make this clearer...
(23) "Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land and wrath to this people; (24) and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations ("Jerusalem's" children) (Rev.13:10); and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles (mother "Jerusalem")(Rev.11:2) until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."
It is while under this pall of spiritual famine, disrepute, persecution, and unjust slander that this agonized "mother" must try to save and nurture her children, while these are enslaved and captive to Satanic deception.
(Rev.13:6,7,10; 11:2; Dan.7:25; 12:7,4,10,3; Rev.12:2)
I hope a consideration of the cited scriptures address your question and care for the answer you seek, as to the meaning of Matt.24:19, and how it is applied today in a symbolic sense. If they are not sufficient, please follow up.
Thank you for your good question.
May Holy Spirit bless you with increasing understanding and insight,
resulting in life eternal.
Love in Christ,
Pearl
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It us hard enough for a baby to get used to be in a new environment outside the womb,but for a baby to be delivered into a hostile one is worse. Jesus said ALL Invited would be asleep. THEN they would need to awaken to get ready. As you have pointed out,the Faithful sealed ones are trying to help those still asleep to wake up. But the environment is very harsh within the Organisation of JWs which is ruled by Gentiles. satan doesnt want any anointed to wake up and progress with the help of those who are now part of the Woman,so has made it incredibly hard for any Invited still within JWs to see the danger they are in. Any who are awakened are much like many babies who cry out in distress over being outside a familiar and cosy womb where they have been for many years. But satan is not going to let it be easy for these newly awakened. And its hard for those of the Women to help these ones because the gentiles have killed them,which causes a dilema for those Invited still within the Org. Satan says the Organisation is the "mother" they should listen to,not sealed Anointed outside the Organisation. Such Invited babes are also having "woe". Its hard enough for those who are already sealed to cope with Armageddon,but for babes still developing,this is a rude awakening and woe. But for the "mothers" watching whats happening to these babes surrounded by satans lies and gentiles,is a terrible thing. Thank Jah for people like you Pearl who are helping "all sorts of flesh" to understand what those of the women are going through. But it made me think of the poor Invited babes and the woe they have as well when they are being helped to wake up and realise they have been trapped and slaves of satan for so long.
ReplyDeleteThe environment is also harsh outside the WT. Remember that the woman is in the wilderness, which is where those who flee must also go to (Rev.12:13,14,17; Matt.24:16,28). Through disfellowshipping, the sealed have been separated from their "children" in Christ. Satan has waged war with these AND her "seed"/children, and that seed has been conquered (Rev.13:7,10). The "woman" is to set free those captive children, with her husband's and Father's help (Luke4:18; Acts13:47; Jer.31:10,11,13,14,15,16,17,21,23,25).
DeleteMatthew 24:19-"And Woe unto them that are with child,and to them that give suck in those days" What does this mean? Let'for say,that you leave for a year or so,and when you return, What will you find,Those that claimed to worship you,but you find them with another's child,in giving suck ( Worshipping ) another instead of you.Woe unto them that are with another's child,When Christ Jesus returns and finds them unfaithful with another's child in giving suck ( worshipping ) the false Christ ( antichrist ) and not the true Christ Jesus the Lord. Notice in Matthew 24:20-"But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter,neither on the sabbath day" Note that this is not the harvest of the Lord's,for no one harvest during the winter,this would be out of season, if a person is being harvest during the winter this is out of season. When Christ Jesus sends His angels into the harvest this will not take place in winter,The Lord's harvest will not be out of season.Therefore if your flight ( worship ) is to one that comes claiming to be Christ and he comes out of season,know this for sure it is not the real Christ Jesus nor will His angels gather the Lord's elect in winter,out of season.The Lord will send His angels into His harvest to gather His Elect. The harvest of all things does not happen in winter,out of season.
DeleteYes... the Babes leave their mother covenant of life (Gal.4:26,24) for the mother covenant of death (Rev.17:5; Isa.28:15). The "milk", is spiritual food... the simple basic teachings (1Cor.3:2; Heb.5:14). It is either pure (1Pet.2:2), or laced with poison (Job 20:16; Deut.32:32-33).
DeleteConcerning Christ's words about "Winter"...
there is no indication that he is specifically referring to a harvest in Winter.
He refers rather, to one's flight and fleeing, during Winter.
In winter, there is a lack of food (again, not harvest time). Waters of truth tend to be "frozen", which is in harmony with the famine contained in prophecy (Amos 8:11; Rev.6:6,8; 18:8).
Notice that in Romans 14:11-"For it is written, As I live,saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me,and every tongue shall confess to God" How will a person truly know who is the real Christ Jesus and the false Christ, Notice the Lord Christ Jesus has said,every knee shall bow to Him, If you do not see every knee not bowing,better to ask yourself, who is this that people are bowing to? For Christ Jesus did say every knee shall bow to Him, but here not every knee is bowing? To this person,who is this?
ReplyDeleteThe prophecy about every knee bending to Christ will happen, but when?
ReplyDeletePlease remember that BEFORE he comes, he will send his messenger, his herald, his prophet (Matt.17:1-3; Mal.4:4-5);
just as John the Baptist was sent before Jesus Christ's arrival. The herald spirit, is the spirit of Elijah.
John had that spirit (Luke 1:17). But there is another Elijah herald to come before the final return of Christ
(Matt.17:11; Acts 3:21; Heb.1:6). Jesus declared that, after John the Baptist was dead.
See the scriptures that pertain to the final herald (Matt.25:6; Rev.1:1; 22:6; Mal.3:1-3; Zech.4:9,11-14; Rev.11:3-4).
Do all knees bend to this final herald, just before Christ returns?
No,
they despise and kill them (Rev.11:7-10).
Jesus told his faithful ambassadors (2Cor.5:20), to expect the world to hate them (John17:14; 15:19; Matt.24:9), and to be persecuted and killed (John 15:20; 16:2).
THIS is how we recognize the genuine Christs (anointed ones)...
as well as by the "fruit" they produce (Matt.7:20).
(http://pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com/)