Title: Revelation 02:17 Gift to the victor
Content Revelation 2:17)
What was the environment of the members of the Pergamum Church? At that time, Pergamum was a city with a shrine to the throne of Satan, or Zeus, and a deep-rooted tradition of emperor worship. But the Church of Pergamum was holding fast to the name of Jesus. But there were those who kept the teachings of Balaam and the teachings of the Nicolaitans. It is an act that deviates from the path of faith. Jesus exhorts the members of the Pergamum Church to repent. God promised to give the hidden manna, the food of heaven, to those who turn their wrongdoings and overcome them completely, and give them a white stone, a symbol of holiness and believers.
What is the hidden manna? The ‘hidden manna’ reflects the Jewish legend that the manna jar placed in the ark of the covenant for posterity was hidden by Jeremiah or an angel when Solomon’s temple was destroyed and then revealed in the future Messianic kingdom. ‘Hidden manna’ is a spiritual and true food. Concealed as it is given through Jesus, the bread of life, means that the spiritual secret has been hidden.
The Bible is a book revealed to all, and a book accessible to all. However, it is not a book that everyone understands. Because this secret is hidden. Who will discover the secret? Those who keep the purity of their faith. Those who overcome persecution.
He said that he would give a white stone along with manna. A white stone means that sins are forgiven. The reason why white stones appear here is probably because of the judicial system at the time. At that time, there was a jury system. The jury listens to the statements of the accused and witnesses, determines whether or not they are guilty, and expresses their intentions. At this time, the jury, who thought the defendant was guilty, threw a black stone. The jury, who found the accused innocent, threw a white stone. The Lord gives us white stones at the Last Judgment. “You are innocent” is the judgment.
It was said that there was a new name written on the white stone. We don't know what this name is. However, God gives a new name to those who kept their faith until the end. Your name must be written in the book of the kingdom. It is not written in small letters at the end, but by keeping faith until the end, your name must be written in large letters on a white stone. I bless you in the name of the Lord that you will enjoy this precious grace.