Alpha and Omega

Alpha and Omega

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

“Alpha” and “Omega” are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. As Bible commentator John MacArthur observes: “An alphabet is an ingenious way to store and communicate knowledge.” The letters of an alphabet, though nothing more than marks on paper, can be arranged in seemingly infinite combinations to express, convey, and store all knowledge. So, when God says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” He is in effect saying that He is the supreme, sovereign alphabet; there is nothing outside His knowledge. There are no unknown factors that can disrupt or undermine His plans. He’s the beginning and the end and His word is final.

In Revelation 1:10 John says he was “in the Spirit” (probably praying) when Jesus appeared to him as the risen and glorified Christ. So majestic was this appearance that John didn’t recognize Him even though John had been one of His closest companions when Jesus was here in human form.

Of this encounter with Jesus, John says, “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!” (Revelation 1:17-18).

In Hs calming response to John, Jesus clearly refers to Himself as the self-existent, eternal God, “the First and the Last.” He has no beginning and no end; He is the Alpha and the Omega. “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm 103:19)

We can take great comfort in the fact that Christ is the supreme authority, the “sovereign alphabet.” All knowledge and all power are His and nothing will sabotage His second coming or short circuit His faithfulness to us as we follow Him.

Are you ready for the “Alpha and Omega” to come in glory?