Hidden Manna

The last reference to manna is found in The Revelation 2:17: "...To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna..."  This letter is written to the church in Pergamum, a church that experienced extreme persecution.  The Christians here lived in a difficult place, surrounded by pagan influences, yet they held fast to Christ's name and did not deny Him.  Those who would persevere and who would call out and remove false teaching would we receive a three-fold promise: 1) Hidden Manna 2) a White Stone and 3) a New Name.  The Manna is probably a reference to the manna placed in the ark of the covenant. (see Exodus 16:32-34) However, the ark of the covenant disappeared off of the pages of history by the time the Babylonian Captivity.  The location and or fate of the ark is a much debated subject.  But the fact remains that Jesus' I Am Statement in John 6:35, is closely tied to the manna of Exodus 16.  Both Exodus 16 and John 6 deal with a miraculous provision.  Both chapters meat a physical need but convey a spiritual depth.  I can only imagine what a supernatural treat it would be on that day, to eat of the hidden manna.  Perhaps those best suited to taste of that bread of heaven are those who practice gathering manna while living here on the earth.  Join us on Sunday, August 10, for a discussion on those things that prevent us from gathering our manna.