Revelation 1:4-20
The past week has really been a prepping of sorts for Revelation but now we're jumping in. We've been circling around Revelation 1, and, yes, we're going to stay there one more day. (Just goes to show that we can read the same scripture over and over and keep learning, taking in and digesting.)
I read Revelation 1 several times this morning and every time I was drawn to the description of Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega and these words from Jesus, '"Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades'" (verses 17 and 18).
So as we head down this Journey through Revelation, what do Jesus' words convey to us about following Him and our future? Tami W.
P.S. Journey through Revelation week 2 starts today. Check it out!
I need not fear what man can do to me.....my times and future are in the hands of the One that was there BEFORE the foundations of the earth were formed!!!! Hallelujah!!
Jesus words convey to me how much He loves me/us. He went to the Cross alone for us. He died but is alive again and the promises that He made they are still valid so we must continue to live in hope. For those who are not saved, there is still time today to acknowledge Him. Each minute He is interceding on our behalf because His intention is not to lose any of us. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". He did this for us. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. By now we should know that He is our All in All and give Him thanks and praise for His great love for us. We MUST trust and believe in Him.
John - who identifies himself in his Gospel as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" - who lay on His breast at the last supper - AND who now falls down as dead when he meets Jesus again in His glory!? How little like the weak way I realize His presence in my daily life - how frantic my reactions to threats and catastrophes - as if He is fa-a-ar away!
Jesus' words are comfort for me. It reinforces my belief in the Christ being the Son of God and that my hope in eternal life is assured. Fear not gives comfort and reassurance.
Ian f, I am praying for you and the funeral on Wednesday.
god be with you.
He is always here, now and forever, and has been in the past. I can take comfort in that. No matter what I face, He is with me.
"In Him we live, and move, and have our being." For me, there is no future, without Christ (certainly, none I'd want to experience). We can trust in no one else, as everything except God and His Word changes. How blessed we are to have found what NEVER changes, what we can trust and in whom we can hope FOREVER for all the ages! I know that the Book of Revelation is frightening to some, but for God's children (for the church), it is such a comfort and can actually bring such peace. I have always told my own children, that, no matter what is happening in our lives, we are able to sleep...because God never does.
I love the Alpha and Omega!! This past year has been one of the hardest years im life. My family expericened death of my daughter-in-law, loss of work, and seperation. I also had major surgery. While praying last night at church Jesus, (Alpha) reasurred me that he was with in the beginning of the trials and he, Jeaus, (Omega) with be with me till the end of the trials. Today has been the best day in months, I mean months; I started a new job this morning and our Lord has been so near to me. How do people make it without Him?!!!
The first thing that comes to my mind is that Jesus is alive today and preparing a place in heaven for those who love Him. He is the Alpha and Omega. The empty tomb is the crux of our Christian faith. Jesus is alive! This is a great comfort to me. We cannot even imagine the glory and splender or our risen Lord. If He is the Alpha and Omega than that means that He knows everything about the past, present and future of my life/our lives. That is another great comfort to me. We're on the winning team with Jesus.
My seven year old daughter was recently looking for scripture passages to read before bedtime. She was particularly looking for ones that said, "Do not be afraid...." or something like that. She called me into her room asking me to bring the Bible highlighter. I went--anxious to see what she had discovered.
When I arrived she opened her Bible to Revelation. I must have looked confused. Revelation is not a book I would have expected her to be reading through...especially looking for assurance. She quickly put me in my place.
Her NIV Bible has Jesus' words in red, and she was drawn to Revelation 1:17-18. I highlighted verse 17, stopping after "I am alive forever and ever." She said to me in her matter-of-fact voice, "Mom, 'and I hold the keys of Death and Hades' is the most important part of that. Please highlight that too." I did, but was really curious to see why she thought this to be so. I mean, as an adult I understand it, but did she?? So I asked.
She looked at me with a big smile on her face and said, "That's the most important part because Jesus holds the keys of Death and Hades. As long as I have Jesus in my heart, it means I don't ever have to go to Hell."
Praise be to God!!!!
Jesus loves me so much! I am His and He is mine. God has plans for me to prosper not to harm me, plans for a hope and a future. He never changes! He was and is and is to come! I can do all things through Him, without Him I can do nothing!
By His Blood I am healed and set free. I cannot out give God, nor do any works worthy of salvation, lest I forget HIM and dare to take credit or boast about myself.He is my Judge and jury. I am safe in His arms. I pray The Lord help me not to fear others or think incorrectly, but prepared for Your coming and to obey.Help me to tell others about You. I pray not only for myself but for these who seem to be faithful and love our God.