I remember when our three sons played youth sports, whether or not they had a winning season, there was a party at the end and each player received a trophy. The trophy was not for outstanding playing or winning games, but for participating–more of an encouragement for being part of the team.
In Revelation 2:17 we’re told, “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” The white stone is a tangible symbol of God’s favor and recognition for faithfulness and overcoming, although the exact meaning of the stone is uncertain.
The best theory regarding the symbolic meaning of the white stone probably has to do with the ancient Roman custom of awarding white stones to the victors of athletic games. The winner of a contest was awarded a white stone with his name inscribed on it. This served as his “ticket” to a special awards banquet. According to this view, Jesus promises the overcomers entrance to the eternal victory celebration in heaven. The “new name” refers to the Holy Spirit’s work of conforming believers to the holiness of Christ (see Romans 8:29; Colossians 3:10). The new name doesn’t replace our earthly name, but is a symbol of our new and more intimate relationship with God. I like to think of it as my heavenly nickname–known only to me and of course God.
John 5:4–5 encourages “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” An overcomer holds fast to faith in Christ until the end. He demonstrates complete dependence upon the Lord Jesus through thick and thin.
The church back then faced and the church today faces many challenges. We live in a world that sometimes seems upside down and backwards. But we, born again believers, while part of this world, are not of this world. Our faith and focus is on the Lord Jesus Christ because of the relationship we have with him. If we place our faith and trust in the “world” around us rather than on him, we might just get a participation trophy instead of a special white stone with a secret heavenly nickname–our eternal reward, and entrance to a victory party in heaven. That is a promise from God to cling to.
Deb Hill
EFCC Member