November 04, 2021 – Thursday
Revelation 2:17 NIV
17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.
Comment.
First some context for our verse today. In chapter two of Revelation Jesus begins addressing seven churches found in then Asia Minor of the Roman Empire, today their ruins are in Western Turkey. Jesus begins in chapter two but continues through chapter three to address all seven churches. Our verse for today comes from His address to the third church in chapter two, the church in Pergamum verses 12-17. Today we will focus only on verse 17 which was chosen for its mention of a stone, a white stone.
Looking at this verse we notice it begins with, Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Notice the plural churches, this is a message telling us to listen to what is said to all seven of the churches. Also be aware this statement is at the end or near the end of the message to each church. The next part of this verse begins with To the one who is victorious, which is also found in the message to all seven churches although two of them begin with The one who is victorious, a minor difference. One church, the church in Thyatira, seems to have a requirement beyond being victorious, To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end. The second requirement is often translated as keeps my works to the end. Some see this not as a second requirement, but how one becomes victorious. Each church has a promise of a reward or rewards for those who are victorious.
The rewards mentioned for the church of Pergamum are, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. The hidden manna is variously described as the same substance provided by God during Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness (see Exodus 16:4-16) or some spiritual sustenance of the future in heaven or eternal fellowship with Jesus himself, the bread of life. In other words, it is unknown.
Then there is the white stone with a new name written on it. What is that? White symbolizes purity and victory, and white stones were also associated with acquittal in court as well as admission to special feasts. Here it is thought they may suggest entry to the feast with Jesus. The new name on the stone may be associated with being a new creation with an eternal identity and his or her status in relationship to Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Father God.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, It is my hope and prayer I will be one of those who are victorious and able to partake of the secret manna as well as receiving a white stone with my new name on it. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton in Beavercreek