“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending…the first and the last.” Revelation 1:8,17
Dear Ones:
Why did God give to John the Apostle, the specific revelation of the glorified Christ? John had already conveyed to believers far and near “…what he had seen and heard…” concerning Christ in the flesh, even the risen Christ. But this revelation is different. Why is it given at this point in time, in this way, specifically relating to seven churches?
We discover first of all that this “Revelation of Jesus Christ” was intended for His servants. Secondly, we see that God confirmed the revelation by His word. Furthermore, with convincing, Divine authority comes the very witness, and testimony, of the person of Jesus Christ. So, with respect to the person of God, and the revelation of His purposes, we have a two-fold witness, and affirmation, the word of God, and the person of Christ.
The central, declared theme of this revelation is the unveiling of WHO Christ actually IS. Just as God revealed Himself to Israel through Moses, in declaring that His name was “I AM THAT I AM,” so here, there is the revelation of WHO Jesus Christ is. At the beginning of the revelation, Christ declares: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.” (v.8) He then transitions His identity by saying, “…I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.” (v.11) And Finally, He says, “I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore.” (v.18) Why does He speak in this progressive manner? In part it is most certainly so that we can better grasp the import of His Sovereignty and Eternal Power. Jesus spoke to Peter three times on the subject of love to bring Peter to a knowledge of things as they ARE. And so, we are brought face to face with the reality of the sovereign, glorified Christ. Where do we go from here with such a vision as this? We go to a “painting!”
It is almost as though John at this point takes his paint brush, and begins to paint what He sees in the revelation of the glorified Christ. The overwhelming purity, whiteness and fire, the seven stars in His hand and the two-edged sword “out of His mouth,” are too much to grasp. But, when there is the revelation of His countenance, which was as “…the sun that shineth in his strength,” it is too overwhelming for John. He falls at His feet as dead. The question then arises again, “Why did God reveal to John, and to “his servants,” at that time and afterwards, this revelation of Christ in this manner? What is His intent, His purpose?
Dear Father, Moses desired to see Thy glory, and You revealed it to him. You told Martha that if she believed, she would SEE the glory of God. Anoint our eyes to see Thy Son as He IS, and accomplish in our hearts Thy perfect work, so that we may finish well our course, this race in which Thou hast called us to run. We thank Thee and praise Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad