The Hidden Manna
Father reveals himself to each of us according to our own hunger and personal thirst for truth. Jesus told us in John 6:48-50, “I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die.” Some seek the revelation of earthly provision and sustenance. There is a hidden manna, or revelation of Christ who sustains more than body… but also the soul and spirit.
Revelation 2:17 reads, “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. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” It is the overcomer who gets to eat the hidden manna - saints who faithfully triumph over the flesh and its works, achieving exploits for the Kingdom. Initiatory rewards are rites of passage for those who persevere through the paces.
Notice, the overcomer is given a white stone with a new name written on it. According to Arethas, this same kind of stone was given to wrestlers at ancient games.1 This speaks of those who persist through adversity to become finishers.
John Wesley records, “The ancients, on many occasions, gave their votes in judgment by small stones; by black, they condemned; by white ones they acquitted.” The white stone in this inference is indicative of forgiveness from an offense and victory over the curse of that offense. About the new name inscribed, only those who overcome can receive it. This private revelation is known only by the overcomer and God the rewarder.
The hidden manna is also a reference to the manna that was stored in the Ark of the Covenant for remembrance sake (Exodus 16:34). That manna abided in the presence of the Lord, hidden from public view in the Holy of Holies. This speaks of the secret life of the believer. Those who learn to abide in the shadow of His wings (Psalm 36, 57, 91) can expect to eat the manna of life, hidden there, for them.
1. Read the commentary on the white stone at: http://bible.cc/revelation/2-17.htm
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I would first like to thank you for your posts. I enjoy your writing style and the eloquence that you use to convey your thoughts. I have, on occasion, felt to comment but have not. I do, today, feel compelled as I believe that they are consistent thematically with seeing, receiving revelation and, to some degree, with inherent aspects of receiving mantles.
I subscribe to the Berean principle in that we should not only receive the Word, but study the scriptures to see that it be so and as such, believe that there are some aspects of your post that bear further study. You quote Rev 2:17 and develop the idea of the significance of the stones, which is in itself, insightful. I find spiritual significance in your choice of this particular passage, rather than the use of any of the six other times in the letters to the churches that there is mentioned the rewards to the overcomer.
While it is, in general principle, good teaching to uphold overcoming the flesh and its works to achieve exploits for the Kingdom, I find a particular flaw in using this particular passage for your conclusion. Contextually, The overcomer in this passage refers specifically to those who overcome the doctrines of Baalam and the Nicolaitanes, not, in the generality of overcoming the flesh and its works. These doctrines are not spiritually insignificant and are insidious in their undermining of Kingdom works and revelation and the ability to see.
While Balaam’s prophecies are some of the most accurate pertaining to Israel, he was among the most false prophets in scripture and his teachings were ultimately detrimental to Israel. While he was forbidden to prophesy against Israel, he taught in ways that undermined those very prophecies. Not all prophets are true prophets despite the accuracy of some of their prophecies.
If we read only Rev2:17 and not Rev 2:14-17, at the very least, there are some who would derive the meaning of this passage to be other than its intention. While this may be construed as being nit-picky, it goes to the greater thought that this type of limited understanding has, in fact, caused division within the body and to some degree caused rifts ending in denominationalizing the Body of Christ.
If we are to receive revelation and tune our ability to see, it is requisite that we rightfully divide the Word. Many in the body have a fascination with the “prophetic” and sometimes lose sight of Revelation of Jesus Christ found in the Book of Revelation trading it for the “prophesy” of the Book of Revelation.
It is worthy of us to study Balaam and his works, not merely for the fact that it is specifically mentioned in Revelation, but that it might lend itself to causing us to have the ability to receive greater revelation and improve our ability to see.
I will continue to look forward to your posts and pray that they continue to cause us to press in. May God richly bless you.
Patrick,
Thank you for the insight… the Bereans had it right! The purpose of this blog is to present quick snippits of inspiration (which I have a hard time with brevity as it is.) You are correct in that there are other things promised to overcomers… this is a narrow glance at a very rich passage, which given its due, offers much more. I am thankful you have added your peace. It bears reading.
As for the tendency of my writings… this blog is a progression of what Father speaks to me and how He speaks it. There are seasons in the archives. There will be months or weeks of emphasis, and then on to something else. Seeing that I am prophetic in nature (all puns intended… I cannot deny or apologize for my expression). This is the year of Ayin (as noted above). Seeing is an emphasis of Father, in this hour. It will shift. Please post anytime. Your thoughts are valuable and need to be heard.
Thank you for the reception and the invite for future comment…I am inclined to avail myself of it. Brevity is, at times elusive, for me also. I can appreciate that this medium does not lend itself to exhaustive topical study. Your posts, as well as the comments of others, have stimulated my study. Many of my fruitful quests to greater understanding have begun with snippets from the Lord. From the thread of inspirational snippets we can begin to weave our own tapestry of revelation. It is of utmost importance that we, as believers, having ears do hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches, and endeavor to refine our discernment of the times and seasons, as well as apprehending the shift. It will shift. Shine On
Hay Pat… I also have a desire to leave you with more questions and ponderings than when you started. You’ll never find me tying down something real tight or wrapping it up in a nice package. That is for others to do… maybe you? Seriously, you should start a blog with the teaching gift you have. WordPress is a great place to house such a thing. I would subscribe
Thanks for the vote of encouragement. Could be confirmation of an unction. I have contemplated that very idea and briefly explored the wordpress medium. Must be something I should look into pursuing. Nice packages and tying things tightly doesn’t always foster growth, although it has its time and purpose. This past year has been an experience in dynamic shift for me personally. I tire of the pervasive comfort and complaisance within the body and desire to be relevant to Kingdom growth.
To address a comment you made earlier… I would not expect any denial or apology. Give it like you get it. If a passage is likened to a jewel, we see many facets that, as we look, we are able to perceive different aspects, each separate, yet, all lending their part to the beauty and richness of the gem.
I will keep you posted( pun intended). Be Blessed