The One to Whom We Look

            In today’s political climate it’s easy to feel uncertain about the future. There is unrest no matter on what side of the political aisle you find yourself. It is important, as Christians we keep our eyes focused on the One Who is truly in control. In the book of Revelation, Christ gives John powerful messages to seven local churches, with an awe-inspiring look into the throne-room of God, and a profound look into the future. However, before Christ tells John all these things, chapter one gives us four powerful descriptions of Christ:

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8)

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: (Revelation 1:11a)

            Christ first introduces Himself as the Everlasting One. Christ calls Himself “Alpha and Omega.” These are the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. This signifies that Christ is the beginning and ending of all things. Everything is in His control, and nothing could exist without Him. In his commentary on Revelation chapter one, John Gill said:

Christ, he is the Alpha and Omega, the first and last, the chief, the whole of things; as of the covenant of grace, he is the first and last of it, he is the Mediator, surety, and messenger of it, and the ratifier and confirmer of it, he is the covenant itself, all its blessings and promises are in him; he is the sum and substance of the Scriptures, both of the law and of the Gospel; he is the fulfilling end of the law, and he is the subject matter of the Gospel; he stands in the first verse in Genesis, and in the last of the Revelation; he is the Alpha and Omega, the first and last, the whole and all in the business of salvation, in the affair of justification before God, in the sanctification of his people, in their adoption, and eternal glorification.

           Christ goes on to describe Himself as “Which is, and which was, and which is to come… Christ has existed for all of eternity past and will exist for eternity future. Hebrews 13:8 states:

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

           The fashions and customs of the day do not affect the Saviour. Powerful kingdoms and rulers have risen and fallen, but Christ remains unchanged and seated on His throne.

            Next, the Lord is introduced as The All Powerful One in verse 8c. Jesus Christ is “the Almighty. The dictionary defines this as “all-ruling, absolute and universal sovereign.” Christ is God manifested in the flesh. While He was 100% human, He was still 100% God and retained all the power and influence God commands. Simply put, Jesus Christ controls all things.

            The last two descriptions separate Christ from all the man-made gods that litter the earth. Christ is introduced as The Merciful One. This is an incredible experience for John. He is a mere mortal and under the weight of this vision he collapses (vs17a). Jesus, in His infinite mercy, reached down and “laid his right hand…on poor John and comforted him. Christ Himself comforts John. John does not have to fear. Instead, he can rest in the One Who is all-powerful.

             Lastly, Christ introduces Himself as The Risen One.

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:18)

            Christ died for the sins of mankind and is alive forevermore! He, alone, holds the keys of hell and death. We need not fear death. Christ won the battle for us!

            Why do we worry so often? Why do we allow the events of this world to fill us with fear? We serve Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the Almighty, the risen Lord of glory!

            Will you give Him control of your life today, Christian? Will you cease to look at the world around you with all its problems and instead look to your Everlasting, All-Powerful, Risen Saviour? Let these words from Hebrews encourage and challenge you today:

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Perhaps you have difficulty looking to Christ because you have never placed your trust in Him as your Saviour. Click here for the Bible Way to Heaven.

For further reading in Revelation chapter 1, click here.

For further reading in John Gill’s commentary, please click here. (Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and beliefs expressed in the commentary do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, and beliefs of Trinity Baptist Church. The Bible is our sole authority for faith and practice.)

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