Read Revelation 2:17.
The one who overcomes is promised hidden manna and a white stone with a new name only known to the one receiving it. Now if that doesn’t motivate you to persevere, I don’t know what would! (sarcasm for those who didn’t detect it) What is this hidden manna? And what is the significance of the white stone with a new name?
Manna dates back to the early days of Israel when God provided manna for food as they wandered in the desert. The manna was one example of God’s faithful provision to sustain a people who were unsustainable on their own. So important was manna that some was put into the Ark of the Covenant to continually remind the people of God’s faithful provision – He would always take care of them. So what is this hidden manna referred to in this revelation? Most commentators see this as a reference to Christ Himself, the Bread from heaven, or the Bread of Life (John 6:35). Those who overcome will receive Christ Himself in all His glory, the ultimate display of God’s grace and faithfulness.
As for the white stone with a new name, there is no definitive interpretation of this. What is significant, however, is that a new name will be given to us in glory. Our old names – and we have many, from “unlovable” to “dumb” to “clumsy” and so on – those names and all the baggage that comes with our present name will be thrown away – almost symbolic of the last of this world’s evidence on our life. And we will be given a new name… a name given by Christ Himself… a perfect name and a unique name known only to each of us. I don’t know about you, but that is going to be a great day when my past will be completely wiped clean in such a way that is perhaps impossible to fully comprehend at this time.
Manna from heaven and a white stone with a new name – they may not seem like much initially, but what could be better than receiving the fullness of Christ and a new name without blemish or baggage? What awaits us in eternity is difficult to put into words, but we can be confident that it will be better than anything we can imagine.