My moniker here, "MyWhiteStone," was drawn from Revelation 2:17 back in August 2011 when I wanted to join RITA Now. That verse promises Jesus will give each of us a new name: “…To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.“ There are two mysteries. Unique names set in stone, and a hidden form of daily sustenance. Regarding the white stone, I presume Jesus has created the full and detailed essence and individuality of each of us, and has already created a unique name fitting each of us individually. Complete with divine encryption, since we are each unique. The intimacy you even now share one-on-one with Jesus alone, I assume will even bear every minor nuance between you which only you and your Creator will share forever. All other individuals would share their own unique private nuanced relationship with Him, and all this being encoded within the person's own new unique white stone name. If this sounds too fantastic or unlikely for our resurrected states, just consider the complexity already encoded into a single physical, lowly, perishable human DNA molecule. Moreover, I believe the nuances in relationships are not contained in our physical existence, but are rather fully contained within our soul and spirit. We will at that time be inseparable as body/soul/spirit, and perhaps that white stone might not be a completely physical one held in our hand or stored, but rather become an integral and unchangeable "in-stone" aspect of our body/soul/spirit. That wild thought aside, Revelation 2:17 contains the other mystery -- the part about Hidden Manna. “What is it?" is literally what the word “Manna” means. I suspect that this “hidden manna” may be identical or at least akin to what Jesus described to the disciples in John 4 when they encouraged Him to eat something, i.e., after He had finished relating to the woman at the well. Jesus responded to them, “I have meat to eat that ye know not of. … My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” I expect we will each be uniquely equipped to perform certain ministerial tasks for Jesus which are precisely suited to our gifts, and which might even draw upon our unique experiences and recollections down here and now. We will for the first 1,000 years be co-regents with Christ Jesus, in ministry to earthly mortals. In that context I presume that for some of these tasks we will require sustenance, even Jesus did, and so I expect we might need to draw from our given supply of hidden manna in order to complete our work in that environment. Or perhaps Hidden Manna is what we can expect to sustain our glorified bodies forever, anywhere in the Universe. Just my thoughts. What do you suppose? Indeed. Not only will we have a name unique to us, so that when it is spoken we shall immediately know that Jesus calls us. Perhaps for a moment's intimacy. Likewise, when He gives us His new name meant only for us to use and call Him. He will immediately be there to fellowship! As like pet names a husband and wife might have for one another, tender and personal. With regards to hidden manna, that could entail almost anything. No doubt we will have varied fare for the stomach always available to each of us. I don't think it to be a food per se. Personal teaching or instruction not meant for the masses, but rather highly individualized. As we continue our growth in Him, He will continue to impart more revelations about Himself and His heart. That we might become ever more pleasing to Him! Or it seems to me. We shall all then be given a robe, a ring, a crown and a stone! TR Perhaps "no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it" means it is an utterly unique name in all the universe. I used to think it meant no one else could ever hear it spoken, but having a name not shared by anyone would be a special honor. Jesus calls Himself "the Bread of Life," and if it is to be taken spiritually, then that would suggest a connection with Christ. Or if it is a literal type of food, it must be something truly delicious. Just hope it's not grasshopper! :whistle: TR I think it depends on the grasshopper .... because Keebler “Grasshopper” mint cookies are mighty good tasting! But if you’re talking about the insect, I agree ... put locust and cockroaches on that list too. Can’t imagine how John the Baptist willingly ate locust! Ugh! I wonder if he will be eating a plate full at the Marriage feast? I kind of feel sorry for the lucky person sitting near him .... Geri7 LOL! I'm with you, I suppose I wont be eating grasshoppers. But then again if you throw enough honey at something, anythings possible. The grasshopper reference was to an old tv show in the 70's about a shaulin priest. Played by David Carradine. Indeed the idea that we will be able to nurture and continue a personal and intimate relationship with the Lord throughout eternity is awesome. And He with us. Sadly so many of us humans have placed such little regard upon relationships in general. We have a tendency to make it all about us. How Sad! TR When grasshoppers are roasted or stir fried, they are actually very good, nutritious and delicious snack. So ready, welcome. So are grasshoppers standard fare or just with escargot? Many Asian and Indian cultures eat bugs and I have heard they are indeed rich in protein. Certainly not something grandma would have for Thanksgiving! I would probably try some. It's all a matter of what we are accustomed to. I like to challenge people and ask the question. What's the difference between tuna fish and cat food. Answer: the label. Tee, hee, hee. It's all a matter of marketing! PS: I don't like cat food either. TR Thanks, Brother Tender Reed Leviticus 11:22 Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.(KJV) 🙁 So Ready, ahem ... do you by any chance like locust too? Why do I have this strong feeling you are going to be sitting right next to John the Baptist at the Marriage Feast? :yes:
