He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers 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.’ – Revelation 2:17

Revelation overflows with images that remind Christians just how much we are loved and how much security we have in Christ.  Nowhere is that truer than Jesus’ promise to our brothers and sisters at the church located in the city of Pergamum to give them a white stone. 

This imagery is unfamiliar to our modern eyes but was full of comfort for the original recipients who lived in a city that was referred to as where Satan’s throne is and where a brother in Christ had just been martyred.  A white stone was given for a few reasons:

1) To signify innocence after being judged not guilty of a serious crime, that likely would have carried the death penalty.

2) To signify freedom granted to a person who had been an enslaved person.

3) To celebrate a military victory over a dangerous foe.

The promise of receiving that white stone gave weary and frightened Christians a solid reason to hope for better days ahead.  They would be innocent of all sin and above all accusation, free from spiritual and physical captivity, and victorious over the forces of Satan trying to snuff out their light. 

Then to make the image even sweeter, the stone would have a new name written on it.  The new name signifies a brand-new reputation that is free of stain or accusation.  It also indicates a purpose in God’s kingdom that is like Saul/Paul, Simon/Peter, or Jacob/Israel.  God gives new names to servants who have a tremendous purpose ahead of them. 

Take a moment and reflect on what the hope of receiving a white stone from the hand of Jesus means to your life this week.  Don’t let Satan deceive you, victory is assured!