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Saturday 2-4-23 7th. Day Of The Weekly Cycle, Shavat 12 5783 46th. Winter Day
Read: Revelation 2:12–17 | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 11–13; Ephesians 4
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I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it. Revelation 2:17
Someone said we go through life with three names: the name our parents gave us, the name others give us (our reputation), and the name we give ourselves (our character). The name others give us matters, as “a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1). But while reputation is important, character matters more.
There’s yet another name that’s even more important. Jesus told the Christians in Pergamum that though their reputation had suffered some well-deserved hits, He had a new name reserved in heaven for those who fight back and conquer temptation. “To the one who is victorious, I will give . . . a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it” (Revelation 2:17).
We aren’t sure why Jesus promised a white stone. Is it an award for winning?
A token for admission to the messianic banquet? Perhaps it’s similar to what jurors once used to vote for acquittal. We simply don’t know. Whatever it is, God promises our new name will wipe away our shame (see Isaiah 62:1–5).
Our reputation may be tattered, and our character may be seemingly beyond repair. But neither name ultimately defines us. It’s not what others call you nor even what you call yourself that matters. You are who Jesus says you are. Live into your new name.
How does your reputation match up against your character? How well is your character reflecting who you are in Jesus?
Father, I believe I am who You say I am. Help me to live as Your child.
To better understand the book of Revelation.
The letter to the church at Pergamum (Revelation 2:12–17) is the third of seven that Jesus dictates to John. These letters serve as specific messages to individual churches that then introduce the more general message of the remainder of the book of Revelation. All these churches were located in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and were in an area heavily served by Paul during his missionary journeys. In most of the letters, each church is given a list of commendations for their faithfulness as well as a set of criticisms for their shortcomings.
For Pergamum, the commendations are found in verse 13, where Jesus acknowledges their difficult environment (where Satan dwells) and their faithfulness—even in the face of a member of the assembly being martyred. They were criticized for their allowance of those who promoted false teaching, idolatry, and immorality. Because the possibility for divine discipline exists, Jesus lovingly calls them to repentance.
By Mike Wittmer|October 1st, 2021
Rest Ruth One:3-8, 15-21
Ruth 1:3-8
3 And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.
4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.
5 And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.
6 Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread.
7 Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.
8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.
Read full chapter
Ruth 1:15-21
15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.
16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?
20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
21 I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?
Read full chapter
Love, Walter and Debbie
Read: Revelation 2:12–17 | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 11–13; Ephesians 4
Download MP3
Subscribe to iTunes
I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it. Revelation 2:17
Someone said we go through life with three names: the name our parents gave us, the name others give us (our reputation), and the name we give ourselves (our character). The name others give us matters, as “a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1). But while reputation is important, character matters more.
There’s yet another name that’s even more important. Jesus told the Christians in Pergamum that though their reputation had suffered some well-deserved hits, He had a new name reserved in heaven for those who fight back and conquer temptation. “To the one who is victorious, I will give . . . a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it” (Revelation 2:17).
We aren’t sure why Jesus promised a white stone. Is it an award for winning?
A token for admission to the messianic banquet? Perhaps it’s similar to what jurors once used to vote for acquittal. We simply don’t know. Whatever it is, God promises our new name will wipe away our shame (see Isaiah 62:1–5).
Our reputation may be tattered, and our character may be seemingly beyond repair. But neither name ultimately defines us. It’s not what others call you nor even what you call yourself that matters. You are who Jesus says you are. Live into your new name.
How does your reputation match up against your character? How well is your character reflecting who you are in Jesus?
Father, I believe I am who You say I am. Help me to live as Your child.
To better understand the book of Revelation.
INSIGHT
The letter to the church at Pergamum (Revelation 2:12–17) is the third of seven that Jesus dictates to John. These letters serve as specific messages to individual churches that then introduce the more general message of the remainder of the book of Revelation. All these churches were located in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and were in an area heavily served by Paul during his missionary journeys. In most of the letters, each church is given a list of commendations for their faithfulness as well as a set of criticisms for their shortcomings.
For Pergamum, the commendations are found in verse 13, where Jesus acknowledges their difficult environment (where Satan dwells) and their faithfulness—even in the face of a member of the assembly being martyred. They were criticized for their allowance of those who promoted false teaching, idolatry, and immorality. Because the possibility for divine discipline exists, Jesus lovingly calls them to repentance.
By Mike Wittmer|October 1st, 2021
Rest Ruth One:3-8, 15-21
Ruth 1:3-8
3 And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.
5 And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.
6 Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread.
7 Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.
8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.
Read full chapter
Ruth 1:15-21
15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?
20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
21 I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?
Read full chapter
Love, Walter and Debbie
