The average pregnancy last for nine months, but the woman knows the time of her delivery because of the birth pains. Once she goes into labour it is but a short step to the birth of her long-awaited baby. And so it shall be, said Jesus, concerning the last days. The incubation period may taken some time, but the generation that experiences labor pains will also witness the debut of the prophesied antichrist.

The Bible tells us that "the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time" (Rom. 8:22) as the Coming of the Lord is awaited with eager anticipation. Famines — diseases — earthquakes — and disasters will increase in intensity and number as we come closer to the end of the Church Age. The parallel passage in Luke 21:10 expands on the words of Jesus: "There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven."

It is later than we think.