Revelations 2: 17

"Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.  I will give the victor some of the hidden manna.  I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscibed that no one knows except the one who receives it."

This verse is part of the letter addressed to Pergamum, but from the plural use of the word "churches" we could be safe in assuming that at least this part of the message has a wider audience and could take in all believers.  The thing I most want to focus on is the secret name that is written on the stone.  While no one can say for sure, it may perhaps be possible to say something about it.

In ancient days, names were given that exemplified certain characteristics about the individual.  God changed Abram's name to Abraham, a name meaning father of multitudes.  Sarai's name was changed to Sarah which means princess.  Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter and Saul's name to Paul.  Also note that Jesus gave the name Boanerges to James and John, calling them both sons of thunder.  (Interesting to read also about the situation regarding the naming of John the baptist).  The pattern that we see in both the Old and New Testaments is that God gives names to people (both newborn babies and older adults) that characterizes something He sees in us.

I suspect that the name that is inscribed on the white stone is that thing in us which best reflects Him!  The verse mentioned above mentions both manna and a stone.  Both objects are symbollic of Christ.  Isn't it therefore possible that the new name we are given will be whatever unique quality we have that best reflects our Lord? I'm willing to say that mine probably won't say Bruce.  Whatever it happens to be, I believe we will each soon find out!

 

Bruce Baber