“To the one who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.” (Rev. 2:17)
Lord Jesus, first and foremost, thank you for being the quintessential Overcomer on our behalf. Our overcoming is 100% through our union with you and your indwelling of us (Col.1:27). Indeed, it is your perseverance for us (2Thess.3:5), not our perspiration for you, that guarantees our salvation. Hallelujah and thank you!
Because you drank the cup of our judgment we’ll feast on the “hidden manna” of heaven forever. But about the promise of a “new name” —whether or not we’ll get an additional name in heaven remains to be seen. However, in a world of dismissive labels and demeaning titles, it’s awesome to hear you say to us in the Scriptures and the Gospel:
“Beloved, you are mine and my righteousness is yours. I am with you and I am for you forever. I cannot love you more and I will never love you less. Nothing will separate you from my love or derail Abba’s commitment to make you like me.” (1Jn.3:1-3)
Jesus, this is all the “naming” and “re-naming” we need—now and forever. We believe; topple the rest of our unbelief. And keep healing us from other names by which we have been branded with a branding iron of shame—the “Such-a’s” we been given in life. “You’re such-a bore, such-a mess, such-a whiner, such-a loser, such-a bother…”
If anything, we are now such-a blessed and beloved, desired and delighted in child of God—all because we belong to you, Jesus. Hallelujah, thank you, and So Very Amen.
