He that has an ear, let him hear

 

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 except him who receives it.  (Rev 2:17 KJ2000)

It is disappointing, really.  For those who have read mysteries for enjoyment, to learn how they are constructed seems almost, well, pedestrian.  It is so mechanical.  The author knows perfectly well who did it, and plants little seeds along the way (along with a goodly crop of weeds).

So this passage appears to us.  Surely someday it will be clear, but right now, just what is this hidden manna?  The new name?

The hidden manna
Manna, of course, is what fed the Israelites from heaven for 40 years.  So whatever this is, we can consider it food (at least spiritually) and from heaven.  But it is hidden.  The only manna ever "hidden" was that which Moses had placed in the Ark of the Covenant.  Only the High Priest would have seen that manna. Is it too much of a stretch to conclude that this represents our new relationship as priests to God?

One thing is certain:  it stands out in contrast to the food for which they were condemned—meat sacrificed to idols.

The white stone

White, of course, is the color of purity.  It makes an immediate contrast with the sexual immorality which troubled them so greatly.  But can we not also see in it the Urim of the Old Testament High Priest?  Urim, which means "light", gave the decision of God to the High Priest.  He wore this stone on his breastplate.

The new name

This is a concept which will recur in Revelation.  Evidently at the time of his return we will learn something new about our Lord—something about a new name.  To know someone's pet name is a sign of close personal relationship;  it is likely that when he returns that relationship will be much closer.

Lessons for us

The mark of the victor is this:  he keeps himself from the things of this world, and rather turns in private prayer to God.  He abstains from sexual immorality, keeping himself pure.  He cherishes his close, personal relationship with the Lord Jesus.

That's the target:  no worldliness, no immorality, only the relationship with Jesus.  How's your aim?