January 20

The All-sufficiency Of Christ

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty. — Rev 1:8 BSB

It is hardly necessary to explain that Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. They represent all the intervening letters, enclosing them like a golden clasp. This majestic title refers to the Eternal God, whose nature underpins the entire universe, all races of beings, the entire work of redemption, the destiny of His children, and the final victory of righteousness and peace. "Of Him, through Him, and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever and ever." Let us join, even for a moment, in the ceaseless song of Heaven: "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." We should never rush into God's presence without proper preparation and reverence of heart.

Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of our every need. From the alphabet of His Being, we can draw all the letters and words that address our deficiencies. Would we ever have learned the fullness of Jesus without facing the deep needs of our own souls? It’s like engaging a guide in an Alpine village—you only truly appreciate his qualities when you are crossing glaciers, bridging yawning chasms, and escaping avalanches through his care. In the same way, as we walk with Jesus, we discover that He is the answer to all our needs.

Loneliness offers an opportunity for Jesus to reveal Himself as the Living One (Rev 1:17). When, like the beloved apostle on the Isle of Patmos, you hear songs and prayers in which you can only join in spirit, turn to the Lord Himself. Call upon His Name from the depths of your isolation. He will not turn away from your cry. He will draw near when you call and say, "Fear not." He will redeem your life. The site of Polycarp's death is still visible on the Smyrna coast, but Jesus stood with him, helping him to be faithful unto death and crowning him with life. Be faithful unto death—the First and the Last is with you! "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me."

Prayer

Lord, be the Alpha and the Omega of every year, month, day, hour, and action of my life. Let everything begin, continue, and end in You. Amen.