One of the few names Jesus gave to Himself after the Resurrection is Alpha and Omego. He used this of Himself several times in Revelation (1:8; 21:6; 22:13) showing His sovereign control over everything. Alpha and Omega, the first letters of the Greek alphabet like A to Z would be in English, are all inclusive. They refer not only to the start and end of all things, but also to everything in-between.
While using this title for Himself Jesus also says He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13). The first and Last is a name for God in Isaiah as well (41:4; 44:6; 48:12). Beginning and
End is also used in Revelation 21:6. Clearly these terms refers to all things ever.
From our perspective of living in time and space we see all things from that view, but these terms aren’t just talking about the beginning of time to the end of time, they refer to something far beyond that. First, they refer to that which was before God even created time, eternity past, and go through eternity future after time will be ended. God only created time to be part of our experienced. It will only exist for several thousand years. Eternity is not time without end, it is an existence where there is no such thing as time so there can be no end to time – something beyond the ability of our limited brain power to understand but something that is no problem for God.
Also, these terms refer to more than all things being encompassed under Jesus’ control. ‘Beginning’ (arche in Greek) actually has the idea of origin or source. Jesus is not just the starting point, He is the origin, the source of all things. He wasn’t just there, He was the creator or it. ‘End’ (telos in Greek) refers to the consummation, the goal of all things. “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things” Paul writes (Romans 116).
Jesus chooses this new name to add to the long list of names and titles used of Himself because it’s important for us to always remember that He is the source and culmination of everything. He started it all, He controls it all, and He will bring it all to the conclusion He wants. It is all under His control! That means everything that happens today, in the world and in our lives, is under His total control. We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. And that’s good enough!
APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT
Think about all the things in your life that are not under your control, that are out of control and that you would like to change but can’t. Now take each of them and write Alpha and Omega over them, Jesus knew about them, planned them, and will use them for the goal He wants to accomplish. Thank Him for this and ask Him to help your faith in Him grow through these things.
BIBLE STUDY ASSIGNMENT
We’ve used various methods to get more out of Bible study in this series. Go back through your notes and list some of the methods we’ve used. Keep a list of them in your Bible so you can use the appropriate ones when you do your own Bible study. Choose a portion of the Bible and use what you’ve learned as you read and study it. May God richly bless you and help you grow through the study of His Word!
For more blogs and Bible articles go to http://sw.christiantrainingonline.org/. If you have questions or comments you can email Jerry at jerry@schmoyer.net.