Scripture:
Revelation 1:8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Observation:
As John begins his description of his vision on Patmos he includes a statement made by the Lord the set the stage for the whole letter. The Lord is the beginning and the end. He was, He is and He is to come. His almighty power and authority transcends generations, time and space.
Application:
Before any of the information, challenge and application from the letter is observed or applied we must first stop and meditate on this verse. Regardless of how we feel about the contents of Revelation. Regardless of how it’s challenge can be overwhelming and its contents confusing, we must realize that the vision of John is from the almighty God. Regardless of how the letter makes us feel, we need to know what it says. We need to be warned by its language and we need to prepare our lives and generation for its ramifications.
A few things…
-The almighty God’s authority and power transcend time, culture and space. There is not a generation, a people group, or an individual who exists or will exist that is independent from the reign of the almighty, including me.
-The authority of God has to basis of His word. Many things in the scripture make us uncomfortable, convicted and challenged. However we are not free to ignore them or adjust them since they come from the one who was, is and is to come. His eternal authority give validity, credit and weight to every word.
-As I read revelation and all other scripture I must seek to come under alignment not simply because it is beneficial but because it is mandated. The eternal creator speaks, His creation needs to listen.
Prayer:
Father, eternal God. You are so patient and kind. Forgive me for picking and choosing what I want to obey and I what I don’t. What I understand and what I think is crazy. May I trust your word because I trust you. As I study revelation this month may I see myself in the letter and apply the warnings and callings. May I be obedient.