Rev. 2:17
The "white stone" seems to mark the individual approbation of Christ; the "new name," peculiar intercourse between Christ and the individual, different from that which all shall share alike—different from the public joy. There is a public joy. All saints will together enjoy the comforts of Christ's love, will enter into "the joy of their Lord," and with one heart and one voice sound His praise.
There will also be joy in seeing the fruit of our labors; as it is said, "What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?" 1 Thess. 2:19. And again, there will be another joy in seeing the company of the redeemed, all according to Christ's heart, in holiness and glory. But besides this public joy, there will be Christ's peculiar, private, individual recognition and approval—the "white stone," and the "new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."
Our souls must value this personal approval of Christ, as well as think of the public approval. The latter will be great blessedness; but there is no peculiar affection in it, nothing that stamps peculiar love on the individual. Glory will be common to all, but glory is not affection.
This "new name" is a different thing; it is the proof of Christ's value for a person who has been faithful in difficult and trying circumstances, for one who has acted on the knowledge of His mind, and overcome through communion with Him. There is the public joy and approval in various ways, and the manifestation of our being loved by the Father as Jesus is loved. But this is not all that is given for our encouragement in individual conduct through trial, failure, and difficulty; there is also this special, private joy of love.