When reading the letters to the seven churches written by John in the Revelation he received, I’m always drawn to that which is promised to “the one who conquers.” As part of each of the letters, found in Revelation 2 & 3, there is an encouragement by the Lord, who walks among the seven churches, to some form of action . . . and for those who are obedient, to the one who conquers, there is a pledged outcome. This morning I’m hovering over the promise given to those who are conquerors in the church of Pergamum (Rev. 2:12-17) . . . I’m thinking about a white stone.

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 ESV)

Apparently there is a variety of opinions among commentators as to what exactly the white stone symbolizes. One explanation I’ve come across is that “in the ancient courts of justice the accused were condemned by black pebbles and acquitted by white” . . . another is that in some athletic games, a white stone was given to the victor . . . another is that it had come to symbolize a token of favor. All fit . . .

But I’m less concerned about what the stone symbolizes than I am intrigued by the unique and individual nature of the gift from the Head of the Church. The stone is one of a kind in that it has a “new name” written on it that is known only by the One who writes the name and the one who receives the stone. In the giving of the stone and the receiving of it there is a “secret bond” formed . . . a very personal interaction between Savior and saint.

Not only is the name a secret . . . but it is a new name . . . a new kind of name . . . a never before used name . . . an unprecedented name. I imagine that receiving the stone and beholding this new name will evoke awe . . . wonder . . . and worship. I imagine that it forms a unique intimate bond which will be remembered throughout eternity.

And while I’m not sure whether the bounds of interpretation and application permit me to “claim the promise” for myself and anticipate such a stone, it is a reminder of the nature of the White Stone Giver.

It’s a reminder of the personal and unique relationship Jesus has sought with this sinner saved by grace. He knows my name . . . and my new name if He has one for me. He knows my struggles . . . He knows the areas that I need to, by His power and grace, be a conqueror over.

Though there will be a sea of the redeemed before the throne, I’m thinking there will be a very individualized interaction between the Redeemer and and each of His redeemed . . . some meaningful one-on-one between the Shepherd and His sheep . . . an intimate conversation known only between the glorious King and each subject who has conquered by His blood and by His grace.

A white stone for me? I don’t know.

A one of a kind encounter with my Lord? I’m thinkin’ . . .