(Revelation 22:13)
Jesus spealing:
"I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last"Introduction
The three titles: the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, and the First and the Last, are used more than once as titles by both the Father and His beloved Son Jesus.
I composed this short devotional outline to help myself to better understand the differences and similarities that each title encompasses, and how each title applies to both the Father and Jesus. My hope and prayer is that this outline, will also be of help to others in understanding and drawing closer to Jesus.
Insights
(simple insights of my own, but not comprehensive)
Some verses that refer to the Father, Jehovah:
"Thus says the LORD the King of Israel, and his Redeemer the LORD of Hosts; "I am the First, and I am the Last; and beside Me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for Me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them show unto them. Fear you not, neither be afraid; have not I told you from that time, and have declared it? You are even My witnesses. Is there a god beside Me? Yes, there is no other god; I know not any." " (Isaiah 44:6-8)
"Listen to Me, O Jacob, even Israel, My called; I am He; I am the First, I also am the Last. My Hand also has laid the foundation of the earth, and My Right Hand has spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together." (Isaiah 48:12-13)
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, "Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things have passed away." And He who sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said unto me, "Write: for these words are true and faithful." And He said unto me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give unto him who is thirsty of the fountain of the water of life freely. He who overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be His God, and he shall be My son."" (Revelation 21:1-7)
Some verses that refer to the Son, Jesus:
"And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, "Fear not; I am the First and the Last: I am He who lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and I have the keys of hell (hades) and of death." (Revelation 1:17-18)
"And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and is alive;" (Revelation 2:8)
Revelation 22:12-14 "And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:12-14)
1. I believe the statement in Isaiah 44:6,
"You are My witnesses, says the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen; that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I Am He; before Me there was no god formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no Savior. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shown, when there was no strange god among you; therefore you are My witnesses, says the LORD, that I Am God." (Isaiah 43:10-12)
2. These three titles, although similarly phrased; have distinct, and different, and yet related meaning:
First and the Last: The context of this title has to do with God's 'positional' importance, and His singularity. He is the first in line as being God, and the last in line as being God ; and thus the only One in line as being God!
Thus, He is the one and only God!
Thus, He is the first cause, and the last cause.
Thus, He is through Jesus the one and only Creator of all things!
Thus, He is through Jesus the one and only Savior!
There is none other!Beginning and the End: The context of this title has to with beginnings, in the sense of time, origin, creation, and final destiny, or consummation.
Thus, God is the One where it says, "In the beginning God created…" - The Father!
Thus, God is the One where it says, "In the beginning was the Word…" - The Son!
And, God is the One who says. ”It is done” (it is over; it is finished, it is ended)!Alpha and Omega: This title uses the names of the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet; and thus by implication the whole alphabet. Alphabets are used to create written words and language! The concepts of thought, knowledge, understanding, wisdom, communication, etc., are encompassed by some form of language and words. But the context of this title is that it is used exclusively for the one and only God. And in this context this title would seem to encompass the whole the principle of divine thought and reason and creative order: that is the "Logos" (the Word) of the one and only God.
Thus, God is the Word who existed in the beginning before the creation!
Thus, God is the One who by His Word "spoke forth" all that creation encompasses - even the Father!
Thus, God is the One who is the Word, the perfect Logos who became flesh - even the Son, Jesus!
4. All three titles are titles of Divinity!!
5. The last reference in the Bible, Revelation 22:13, uses all three titles together for the first time; and is applied to Himself, by Jesus our Lord! This is one of the most profound statements in the Bible that illustrates the divinity and oneness of Jesus with the Father; and is thus a supreme example, and proof, of both the Father and Son's position within the nature of the one and only God!
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