Revelation Now :
Daily Devotional Bible Studies in Revelation
Next | Previous | Contact Ron | Introduction | Foreword | Index | Tellout Home
Ending Well: Day 83 
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen. (Revelation 22:13-21)
The Alpha and Omega
In "Alpha and Omega" is the idea of completeness. The Greeks used from alpha to omega and the Hebrews from "aleph" to "tau" to indicate completeness. For instance, Abraham kept the whole Law from aleph to tau. Here is the symbol that Jesus Christ has everything within himself and needs nothing from any other source. Here is the idea of eternity. He includes in himself all time, for he is the first and the last. Here is the idea of authorship. The Jewish Rabbis said that, since God was the beginning, he received his power from no one; since he was the middle, he shared his power with no one; and since he was the end, he never handed over his power to anyone.
Omega
"Omega" is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. Jesus is also called "the End" because there is no one after him. As the Creator of all, Jesus existed long before David. As a human, however, he was one of David's direct descendants. As the Messiah, he is the bright Morning Star and the final light of salvation to all. These are the last words of Jesus and the final statement from John.
Coming Soon
We don't know the day or the hour, but Jesus is "coming soon" and unexpectedly. "Soon'" means at any moment, and we must be ready for him, always prepared for his return. The writer says, "Come, Lord Jesus."Would Jesus' sudden appearance catch you off guard?
Come Lord Jesus
In a world of problems and evil, Christ calls us to endure in our faith. Our efforts to better our world are important, but their results cannot compare with the transformation that Jesus will bring about when he returns. He alone controls human history, forgives sin, and will re-create the earth and bring lasting peace.
A Book of Hope
Revelation is, above all, a book of hope. It shows that no matter what happens on earth, God is in control. It promises that evil will not last forever. And it depicts the wonderful reward that is waiting for all those who believe in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. "Come, Lord Jesus" is a liturgical refrain, similar to the Aramaic expression "Maranatha" or "Our Lord, come!" It was a prayer for the coming of Christ in glory. "Come, Lord Jesus!"
Words to meditate on
If Jesus is the last word, how does that change our present reality?
Words to pray
"Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again."(1)
Notes
(1) Canadian Anglican Book of Alternative Services
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place."
