Pergamum

Rev. 2:17

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.'

The letter begins with a threatening introduction: These are the words of Him who has the sharp two-edged sword. This is Jesus and His words are the sword. His words are living and active, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit...discerning the thoughts and intentions of the hearts. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. His words will reveal truth from error and good from evil. No human can escape His judgment. 

Pergamum lived where Satan's throne is. Yikes! Definitely bad real-estate! But even with this location, they held on to the name of Jesus. Somehow they did not deny their faith even when Antipas was killed for his. [Make no mistake Satan does dwell where his throne is.] Even with them standing in the face of death, Jesus has things against them, things that must be fixed. Some of those in the church are teaching the way of Baalam creating a stumbling-block for others and causing them to eat food sacrificed to idols and to practice immorality. As if that were not enough, they are holding to the teachings of the Nicolaitans [teaching that Jesus hates]. 

Repentance is their only option! If they refuse, Jesus will come and war against them with the sword of His mouth. If they choose not to repent, their future is no more. Jesus ends with the same cryptic statement, but this time it is coupled with hope. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.'

Even with their history, they can be conquerors. They will be privy to hidden manna and a white stone with their name on it [differing types of eternal blessing]. There is hope if they repent.

Father,

This letter sounds so menacing. I pray that I am not indulging in things that will bring me close to the throne of Satan. Keep me safe and strong in your grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen