The classic program Gilligan’s Island has been a lasting success for the simple reason its seven characters portray a microcosm of society. In each character, we either see ourselves or someone we know. I kept thinking of this form of literature as I’ve been studying the seven churches in the Book of Revelation. You can read ten commentaries with ten different views of what the churches represent. Without getting theological, let me simplify them; I see them as a microcosm of current day churches and Christians. Somewhere in the commendations and the condemnations to each church, you can either see yourself or someone you know or the church you attend.
One word that appears nine times in these two chapters (2 & 3) is ‘know’. Repeatedly, Jesus says, I know. He knew the good, and He knew the bad. Two words are translated ‘know’ in the New Testament. John uses the word that means fullness of knowledge. Jesus doesn’t know partially or isn’t it in a process of knowing—He knows all there is to know about our churches and more importantly, He has a full knowledge of us. That’s both comforting and intimidating. All of us have a secret little room in our minds where we store facts about ourselves that no one else in the world knows, even those closest to us. REALITY CHECK: Jesus has fullness of knowledge and has an itemized list of everything in that little room.
Donna and I are in the process of relocating this year. After completing a renovation of our house, we are in the process of packing—22 years of stuff. My office has been a major challenge. I’ve found things I’d totally forgotten I owned. Needless to say, a lot of trash, lots of Goodwill items, and a lot of cleaning hidden corners behind book shelves and file cabinets. The Holy Spirit always wants us to move to a higher level in Christ. He knows what’s in our little hidden room, even things we’ve forgotten. He might need to do some cleaning.
Another message to the seven Churches that stands out is the opportunity to repent. Jesus had nothing good to say about the Church of Laodicea, only condemnation for their bad. But note how He ends His reprimand, Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent (Rev 3:19). Even for Christians with nothing to commend, He gives them opportunity to repent.
Only two churches weren’t reproved. The other four had both good and bad. Hopefully, you identify with the Christians of Smyrna or Philadelphia with only praise from God. However, the majority of believers will have some commendation but also areas the Spirit points out where we need change. To five of the Churches He says, remember and repent; repent; wake up and repent; be earnest and repent. Repent is not a scary theological term. It simply means ‘change your mind and turn around.’
Read chapters 2 and 3 in Revelation this week. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify with the characteristics that address your current spiritual status—good and bad. If you need, repent. Oh! I don’t want to ruin Gilligan’s Island reruns, but each character represents one of the seven deadly sins—the Skipper had two. I’ll let you figure out the rest.
Sustaining Word for the Week:
Where are you in the microcosm of the seven Churches? If you aren’t where you need to be– remember and repent; repent; wake up and repent; be earnest and repent. And remember those whom I [God] love, I reprove and discipline.