It's time once again to continue our look at the topic of purpose in the book of Revelation, a place few people think to look for it! In the first two installments of this seven-part series, I pointed out that the churches mentioned in Revelation were promised something if they were victorious overcomers. This week we look at the third promise for overcomers mentioned in chapter two:
“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it (2:17).
BREAD AND A STONE
Those who overcome are here promised two things: manna from heaven and a new name written on a stone that no one else can see. This passage always causes me to think of purpose; let me explain why. When you find purpose, it is personal and intimate. Your purpose may not mean something to anyone else, it is special to you. It is your message from heaven that God knows you by name and has something for you to do that only you can do!
Once you engage that purpose, it is part of your spiritual sustenance, as we read about Jesus in John 4. He sent the disciples off to get lunch and then spoke with the woman at the well who had been married five times. When the disciples returned, Jesus was no longer hungry, which caused them to ask if He had gotten something to eat from another place: "Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, 'Rabbi, eat something.' But Jesus replied, 'I have a kind of food you know nothing about'" (John 4:31-32).
When you work in purpose, it can so energize you that you forget to eat, or find food (along with television and other diversions) less alluring. I have often wondered if the stress from a purposeless life is a cause for being overweight for some.
The first time I ever spoke on purpose in 1991, people wept openly as I talked. I recognized then and there that purpose was special, that it was the answer to so many human problems. That is why I have continued to pursue purpose for myself and others since then.
HUNGRY?
Ultimately Jesus is the bread of life and satisfies our spiritual hunger completely. Part of that satisfaction, however, is the assignment along with the gifts and calling He has for you. Are you hungry to find them? Are you hungry to fulfill them? Then I urge you to be an overcomer, and work to overcome the fears and distractions that can slow you down or get you off track. God wants you to fulfill your purpose more than you do - that's why He gave it to you - so you can count on His help if you do your part. And your part is to find that stone and eat that manna that will make your life special and complete.
Whatever price you have to pay to find purpose is worth it! Don't give up, therefore, as you search and don't give up fulfilling it once you have found it. If you press through, a heavenly stone and heavenly bread await. Have a great week!
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URGENT PRAYER REQUEST: We received notice this week that our shipment to Kenya has been delayed in Durban, South Africa and may arrive while we are in Kenya in mid-March, or even later! This is unacceptable for we are dedicating the library on Sunday, March 25 and need those books there by then.
So I am asking you to pray that God will work on our behalf and get those books there in plenty of time. While you are praying, also lift up the financial needs. We received about $350 last week, which is great and we are on our way toward finishing the $12,000 that we need (we have already raised $13,000). If you can pray, please do. If you can give, please do that as well. You can give online through my website or by sending a check made out to PurposeQuest to PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0882. Thank you for standing with me in this time of great opportunity.
Pastor John,
That was so excellent what you wrote,it so spoke to my heart! i really mean that, finding your purpose is fulfilling the hungry within us! I am hungry indeed..I want so badly to listen to the Spirit and be obedient to his calling. Thanks so much for encouraging me in my purpose. I remember i kept making appointments with you and then got cold feet because i was afraid, but knowing you were there gave me a sense to explore on my own and i did and now my dream is coming true! thanks a million!
your sister in Christ,
kim
Posted by: Kim Fleming | February 22, 2012 at 04:02 PM
I am impressed by the word information given, I have been struggling to understand the scripture, but now it is very clear. I hope you will still expand on the teaching.
Marianne
Posted by: Marianne | March 29, 2012 at 04:57 AM