Special Gifts

To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.

Revelation 2:17

EVERYONE LIKES RECEIVING gifts, but there’s something extra special about receiving gifts that are personal—gifts that were purchased or created with a specific person in mind. That’s why these two promises from the book of Revelation are so exciting.

Manna is a symbol of God’s provision. It was originally given to Moses and the Israelites as they wandered through the wilderness, unable to find food for themselves. It was one of the ways God provided for their physical survival. In this passage, however, those who are victorious in following God are promised “manna that has been hidden away in heaven.” This is a spiritual provision rather than a short-term physical sustenance. It represents God’s promise to care for and sustain us throughout eternity.

In the same way, God has promised his followers a white stone. Many scholars believe this refers to the ancient practice of presenting a stone to someone on trial. A black stone meant guilt and punishment, while a white stone represented innocence and freedom.

Even better, God has promised to engrave our white stones with new names—names so special that they will be known only to the recipient and to him, like a pet nickname given to you by your friend or spouse—a term of endearment. This is the gift of an intimate relationship. It’s the blessing of being truly understood for who we are and truly loved by the one who created us and knows us better than we know ourselves.