“He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches:  To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden Manna and will give him a white stone and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows, saving he that receives it.”

Revelation 2:17

     He always us what we need just when we need it.

     And, He’s reserving the Best for later.

     Pergamos, which was located near the Caicus River in what is now known as northwest Turkey, was originally a city-state, but later became a powerful nation after Attalus defeated the Gauls (247 B.C.- 197 B.C.).  It stood as a symbol of Greek superiority, having great buildings erected and a library containing over 200,000 volumes.  The Egyptians, who feared their library might become superior to their own in Alexandria, refused to ship papyrus to the city, which led them to develop their own writing parchment, called Pergamena charta.

     There were also three imperial temples there, dedicated to the gods Asklepios (the Greco-Roman god of medicine and healing), Athena and Zeus.  In this latter temple was an altar depicting Zeus defeating some snake-like giants.  That’s likely why Christ referred to Pergamos as the place “where satan’s throne is” (v.13).

     Into this sinful, pagan environment a church was planted; yet, as is evidenced in Christ’s rebuke to her, she’d evidently swerved from the truth and allowed the “doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes” to be taught (vv.14-15).

     Yet, there were some there who refused to accommodate such evil and remained bold believers even unto death.  Antipas, was one such “faithful martyr” (v.13c), and Christ specifically mentioned him by name to both indict and inspire the other members of the church to also “hold fast His Name and the faith” even in the midst of persecution (v.13b).

     Then our Lord gave today’s Manna to all the churches (even those today):  “To him that overcomes (Grk. ‘nikao’—‘subdue, conquer, prevail, gain the victory, etc.’) will I give to eat of the hidden Manna and will give him a white stone on which is written a new name which no one knows except the one who receives it.”  Glory!!

     What is that “hidden Manna?”  We can only speculate; however, we can rest assured it was a special Love Letter from the overcomer’s First Love.  What is that “white stone”?  Again, we can only surmise. Some think it was a pebble used in casting a vote, while others view it a certain type of rock that turns white in intense heat or the dazzling diamond (the Urim) in the High Priest’s breastplate. 

     Regardless, on that stone “a new name is written, unknown to anyone except the receiver of it.”  Again, we can only ponder what this new name is; but, we should not be surprised if it’s a unique name given to one’s special love. . .such as “Mine” or “Beloved” or “Forgiven.”  Hallelujah!!  Are you ready to receive them?

By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated February 12, 2010