revelation 2:22-23

Revelation 2:22-23

22

"Behold, I will cast her into a bed" - generally a sick bed, sick with sin. Also, separating, sheep and goats type thing. 

"and them that commit adultery with her" - fellow idolators will be separated out too. adultery and fornication often mean idolatry in apocalyptic or revelatory language. (Apocalypse means revelation)

"into great tribulation" - sin brings sorrow, especially eternal sorrow. 

"except they repent of their deeds" - repentance is always an option. You're never out of reach to the Lord. I love this part!

23 

"And I will kill her children with death" - harsh. But sin separates us from God a.k.a spiritual death. Your actions have lasting consequences for not only you but also your children. If you raise your children without God, they are less likely to follow Him. This leads to their spiritual death as well.  

"and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts" - God knows our hearts or "desires and thoughts" see scripture footnote 

"and I will give unto every one of you according to your works." - you get what you deserve. Some days that's comforting and others, not so much. Time to repent and change course on those days.

Revelation is intense at first. I'm finding that as I understand it more, it's beautiful. It's not doom and destruction. It's a clarification and an invitation. These are the choices in black and white. There's sin or.... Come follow Jesus Christ and be saved. That's love. Just clearly showing the way, stretching out a hand and inviting everyone to partake in joy. That's the work of someone who loves you. That's the work of those who know Christ's love. It's really beautiful.