To
him that overcometh 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 knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Revelation
2:17
In
spite of the many criticisms I've heard about the Bible, for the most
part, the Bible is fairly straightforward and easy to understand. On
the other hand, books like Revelation are admittedly a little tougher. Certainly, Revelation is full of symbolism and while it may not
be difficult to understand the words, the meanings of the symbols
aren't always clear. Revelation 2:17 is an example of difficult
symbolism. What does it mean to eat the hidden manna? What is
represented by the white stone? What is the new name given to us?
I've read many commentaries that talk about these things but, as for
the “new name,” I also have a few ideas of my own.
There
are some family names that carry a certain impact. Think of the
name, Kennedy, for example. Anyone who is called, “a Kennedy” is
immediately identified as a person of wealth, power, and influence.
The name, Trump, is beginning to have a similar ring. Anyone born
into these families inherit a certain reputation simply because of
their name. It's not only the names of wealthy families that bring
fame. Other families are remembered in infamy, like the Hatfields and
McCoys.
These
families, of course, are known nationally. However, even in smaller
circles, family names sometime give impressions of who we are –
even if they don't fairly represent who we are.
In
Isaiah 56:5, God said, “I give in mine house and within
my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I
will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.”
Names like Vanderbilt or Rockefeller might impress people in this
world. However, the name Jehovah surpasses them all. In eternity,
we will be called His people. That's a family name worth having.
Besides
family names, the names of certain individuals carry their own
baggage. A person's name is often the equivalent of his character.
Abraham Lincoln was renown for his honesty; “Honest Abe” they
called him. Other names are notorious. Benedict Arnold was a
brilliant general who led his troop to many victories over the
British yet now his name is synonymous with traitor. John Wilks
Booth was a handsome man and acclaimed actor. Even though he was the
Brad Pitt of his day, when people hear his name, they only remember
him as an assassin.
God
is the perfect Judge. When we stand before Him, our earthly
reputations mean nothing. No matter how many good things I may have
tried to do here on earth, when I stand in judgment, I will be known
only by my sins. I will be called a liar, thief, adulterer,
blasphemer, sluggard, and murderer. In Christ, though, I am
justified. I won't be remembered forever as the person I am now. I
will be called righteous, redeemed, ransomed, reconciled, and loved.
I will be called a child of God.
I
rejoice that Revelation promises me a new name!
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