BREAD AND STONE - A POEM

Revelation 2:17

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; 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.

I've won many prizes in my life,

Not because I'm very good,

But because achievement is mostly cheap,

With its prizes of plastic or wood.

No, achievement hasn't suited me.

It fades like sunny weather.

But the trophies of Heaven, they're different.

Those prizes last forever.

Let me show you two.

Imbued with all-surpassing worth

A sacred, secret manna

Is preserved in Heaven, right now, waiting,

Waiting for the overcomer.

Can you imagine a feast like that

Served at Jehovah’s table?

A setting for you, Mephibosheth,

Broken, dirty, feeble,

But given courage as the manna

Presses softly on your teeth

Reminding you that you're not dreaming,

But breathing, chewing sweet relief.

Now, I can't think of a better prize

Than aged Heaven bread.

And for this feast I'll give my life.

I'll strive till I am dead.

Now, I know the crowns we win in Heaven

Will be cast at Jesus' feet.

But what do you do with ancient manna

But thank the Maker and eat?

And look, another mysterious gift

For overcomers, waiting.

A stone of white entitled with

A name from God Almighty.

A pet name, title, moniker,

Or nickname here on earth

Means nothing when compared to

This new name's eternal worth.

The hand that etched the tablets,

And wrote on Babylon's wall,

And authored Holy Scripture,

Now sets itself to draw

A name of secret wonder,

With revelation worth,

Ascribed to sons and daughters

Who overcome on earth.

Names or special gifts

From parents, friends, and brothers,

Are given to show belonging and

Affection from a lover,

But a name framed in stone

From the Lover of our souls,

Who brought His children home

Would make us fully whole.

With manna in our bellies

And stones with names engraved,

We'll sing eternal glories

For our Lord's amazing grace.