April 10: PROMISES FOR NOW AND LATER (part 1)

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” Revelation 2:17

Let us take a thoughtful look at the three-fold promise to overcomers here: hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name. The second and third gifts we will examine tomorrow.

The pot of manna, hidden in the ark of the Covenant with the Ten Commandments, was placed as a memorial to the enduring, unchanging nature of the Bread of Life. It is the spiritual nourishment and refreshment that supernaturally can lift each of us out of the world’s mire. Take note: the quantity of manna gathered daily by the children of Israel varied from person to person. There was not too much or too little (Exodus 16:18) for each one, for the Lord intimately knows the needs and abilities of each individual. And Moses said, “Let no one leave any of it till morning” (v.19). But some failed to take in all that they had gathered, and it bred worms and stank (v.20). For good digestion, it is necessary for us to chew our food properly as we take it in. Likewise, it is essential to sincerely desire a proper understanding of the word of God as we take it in. Pray before you study, beloved, inviting the Author’s divine guidance. Could it be that many who profess to live by the Bible, but do not properly “feed” upon it daily, develop a repulsive effect upon others? There is more that God has for them (us) than they (we) are willing to take in. But a lack of devotion causes fill in the blank to leave till morning what fill in the blank should have taken in and “properly digested” already. The idea of breeding worms and stinking implies death. We have all been spiritually dead. But to allow the victorious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into our hearts and minds is to allow Him to supernaturally bring us to life. This is symbolized by baptism, but it begins the moment we accept Jesus. “To him who overcomes…” Overcoming is a very real, often very difficult, process. Were it not for the reality of divine grace, the sore temptations and tests would swallow us. The rewards of the overcomer’s life begin right away: gaining understanding of this thing or that concept which was hidden before.* Hidden manna! To live as an overcomer is a definite indication of the direction of a vibrantly growing life that is heaven bound.

Growth comes by stepping in faith onto the next stepping stone that is being lit up for you. Conversely, to be shown a particular truth that you refuse to acknowledge with your life, is a backward step toward darkness and death. The history of the people of God, along with your own personal history, can become for you “teachers” unto salvation. But we must be willing to learn, allowing God to change us, and follow it all up with faith in action… (see 1 Corinthians 10:6,11; Hebrews 10:38-39)

And anger also came up against Israel…Because they did not believe in God, And did not trust in His salvation. Yet He had commanded the clouds above, And opened the doors of heaven, Had rained down manna on them to eat, And given them of the bread of heaven. Men ate angels’ food; He sent them food to the full. Psalm 78:21b-25

*Isaiah 6:9; Matthew 13:13-14; Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10; Acts 28:26-27