Reflection: Pergamum: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     From what has the Lord rescued you?

2.     Did your new beginning change you? What new word described you then?

3.     What name has He given you that describes you now?

Share: What hidden manna gives you hope today?

Pergamum: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Revelation 2:12-17

“These are the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.”

The church at Pergamum dealt with an ongoing battle of lies and deceit, verbal manipulation, false religion, and evil, which led to one named witness of God’s truth being killed. Perhaps there were more. Yet the death of Antipas in their midst made all the threats against the believers very real.

“Yet, you are holding fast to my name, you did not deny your faith in me..”. The faithful stayed the course of truth whether or not speaking it and living it brought conflict.

The message to this church gives them three powerful promises to cling to. Manna—provision from the Lord’s hand alone. White stone—release. A new name—new life.

In ancient times a white stone would have been recognized as a “favorable verdict” whether in a vote, or ticket to a public function, or drawing lots in a criminal case. The white stone was considered to be an “imperishable” decision.

“To everyone that conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.”

In the Lord’s hands, the two-edged sword brought rescue, hope, and blessing to those who held to the truth.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 27:12

“Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.”

Refining Words

FOOD

At what point did awe

recede?

First a miracle performed,

hunger appeased

with gratitude received.

Then the potential drove crowds

to seek Him over distance,

dangerous waters.

Greed for perishable

food.

Forgot manna’s history

one day’s needs at a time.

Heart hunger ongoing.

Worship alone sustains

hope.

John 6

Tabernacle

Ark of the Covenant

Contained treasure

storehouse of riches

silent memories

speaking divine

echoes cascading

through time

covenant.

Manna fresh

each morning

faithful priest

mercy soaked

moral truth

heaven’s food

engraved.

Word spoken

deity cloaked

with humility’s

frame. Christ Himself

calling appeal

reconciliation

gold.

Colossians 2:9, “For in him, the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.”