July 26 White Ticket

Revelation 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” 
 
THIS is the third part of Jesus’ words to the church in Pergamum amid the larger letter we know as Revelation (Also known as the “Revelation of Jesus Christ”). Our Lord has revealed his comfort, encouragement and assurance to a church planted amid many spiritual and physical enemies. The Lord has also drawn a sure line against sexual sin and warned the church to stay true to him.
    Now he promises three rewards for the faithful: hidden manna revealed, a white stone and a new name. What are these?
    Hidden manna refers to the biblical theme that God is the author and sustainer of physical and spiritual life. Again, Revelation looks back to the Old Testament to remind the new church God is Jehovah-Jireh, a Provider. The hidden manna refers to the life-sustaining bread our Lord gave to his people in their 40-year desert journey. Six days a week God sent bread from heaven to help feed his people. It ended when they settled in the Promised Land.
    Then Jesus came God’s spiritual bread leads to eternal life. John 6:33-35 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.” 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” Jesus’ faithful disciples will eat forever of the “hidden manna” revealed in Jesus’ life, death resurrection and ascension.
    The white stone, too, relates to a feast with Jesus. In those times, people invited to a banquet often received a small white stone with their name on it. The stone was their invitation and admission to the banquet.
    The new name Jesus promises is our new relationship with Jesus. Saved in Jesus, we are his brothers and sisters; we are God’s children, new in Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! And savor the truth of 1 John 5:5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. In Jesus, your name is Overcomer.
    The Holy Spirit has given us many images of God’s love graciously poured out for us. From the past to the future, God is continually at work to save his church unto himself. Rejoice in that comfort. Know that in Christ, you have a white ticket to his eternal Feast.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Savior, for saving me. I pray I eat daily of your holy Bread of Life. Amen.