A White Stone

Don't you love it!  Ezekiel and Revelation at the same time. (www.lifejournal.cc) That will keep us spinning. 
Every spring I go to a pastor's retreat led by my friend Ken Smith.  We will read the same book before we get there and we'll talk about it, talk about what is happening in our ministries (what has worked and what hasn't), we'll worship, we'll pray, and we'll fellowship.  It is the greatest conference I've ever been to.  For one, Ken puts a lot into it and works hard at it to make sure it is good.  But the thing that really sets it apart is the fact that now for about a dozen years I have fellow pastor friends that I meet with annually and never see any other time.  All we have ever known about each other is praying, fellowshiping, and worshiping together.  It is, for each one of us, an attempt at down time and we cling to that time and those folks with an eager pursuit. I drive a little faster to get there, if you know what I mean. It is special. 
Part of the reason it is special is the place where we have met for about the last 10 years.  It is a bed and breakfast lakeside resort that is designed primarily as a retreat for pastors.  A former pastor, who made it big in investing in tv shopping networks, sold his stock and bought a few hundred acres of prime property in Tennessee and has built several buildings including an entrance barn, a schoolhouse, a chapel, a banquet hall, a huge farmhouse, and several cottages.  The name of the place is Whitestone Country Inn.  It is a neat place but more than that it is special.
Therefore, I was naturally drawn  to Revelation 2:17 this morning- 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.'  Now remember John is sending God's message to the persecuted church in Asia Minor and he is encouraging Pergamum not to compromise.  If they will hold out (and if they are truly saved they will), then they will receive hidden manna.  Remember manna was that source of food from heaven that required a total dependence upon God every day.  Moses was instructed after the fact to put some manna in the Ark of the Covenant as a reminder of God's providential care.  The Ark represented the presence of God, therefore the hidden manna is about God's presence and care.  They will also receive a white stone.  (The origin of the retreat's name per owner.)  The white stone was what was cast by a member of the jury when was one was acquitted.    People also received a white stone when they were invited to an invitation only banquet.  You know where I am going, don't you?  Based on the cross of Christ and our surrender to Him, we have been acquitted of our sin and given our eternal invitation.   The new name is not Ralph, Bob or Jim but instead, as Rev. 3:12 gives indication, the name of Christ is written on us.  We are His.  It is a mark of ownership and relationship.  Therefore the message is:  Hang On!  Be strong for Christ today.  Don't you compromise.  There is much in store for us.  The half has not been told.   Have a great day of worship!