Revelation 2:17 - “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.”
In the book of Revelation, the apostle John writes to the seven churches of Asia Minor which is modern day Turkey. Each is given a message from Jesus challenging anything they are not doing well, and promising a reward for those who repent and/or overcome. Today’s verse is written to the church in Pergamum (modern Bergama, Turkey).
Since, these messages all include the encouragement to “hear what the Spirit says to the churches” these promises are for Christ followers today as well. For those who overcome, Jesus promises first that we will be given the hidden manna. While we can’t be certain what “hidden” manna is, we know that manna is used from Moses to Jesus to talk about the nourishing bread of God that sustains life. He will sustain us forever.
Not only will we get bread to live eternally, but we will be given a stone with a new name on it. This white stone may have been a reference to the stone of an innocent verdict used in ancient courtrooms. When Jesus gives us a white stone with a new name, it indicates a new identity with no guilt from our past and innocence before Him forever.
Today persevere in your walk of faith because there is a reward in the end.
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