Jesus Is the Omega
August 13, 2020
Midweek Thoughts from Don:
Jesus Is the Omega
Over the last few weeks we have looked at a very important phrase used in the Book of Revelation (The Book of the Apocalypse). As Christians, then and now, search for help and encouragement, Jesus has important words to share. Last week we looked at the first half of the phrase and saw that Jesus was the Alpha. When we start with Jesus (as the Alpha) things make sense. Jesus is the beginning; he is the creator. Therefore, all thinking and all life has to start with him. Today we will look at the second half of the phrase Jesus used to describe himself: “I am the Alpha and the Omega.” When Jesus describes himself as the Omega, he is saying that he is the last and final word. He is the answer to life’s questions. He is the destination of every journey, so to speak. We must always remember that Jesus speaks of himself as the creator of the universe (the Alpha), therefore it makes sense that if Jesus is the creator, he is the one who the universe will be orientated toward.
Imagine a house that was designed by and for a race of people who were 20 feet
tall. Obviously the dimensions of such a house will not fit you and me. We would be very uncomfortable when using the furniture. We most likely could not easily use the cabinets, engage the fixtures, or use much of anything in such a house. The reason would be that it was not designed for us. But for those the house was built for, it would be a perfect place. The same is true with this universe. Jesus is the Creator (the Alpha) and the universe answers to him (as the Omega). As creatures living in this universe, we are designed to serve and follow Jesus. We will not be whole and life will not be what it should be when Jesus is not at the center of all we do. Because Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega (the beginning and the end), the message that God gives to Christians who
need help and encouragement is this: Stay the course, all of history is rushing headlong into the hands of a Savior who has everything in control!
As we fathom the concept of Jesus being the Alpha and the Omega, there are many strong and important theological issues that we could unpack and discuss. Instead, I’d like to make a very practical observation. We live in a world that surprises and often frightens us. This world makes promises that are broken with great regularity. People let us down again and again. Where do we find the strength to persevere? Where do we find the wisdom and good judgment to choose the right path? The answers to these questions (and more) are found in Jesus. Jesus has promised to be with us. Jesus is our healer and sustainer. Jesus has made many great promises. So the question at hand is: can we trust Jesus? To this query, Scripture gives us an emphatic, yes!
Let me again point you back to the first century Christians who were being hunted and killed by their enemies. They needed to be reminded of the secure and fortifying promises of Jesus. Jesus had proved his love and compassion by dying on the cross. He then showed his power when he conquered death and rose from the dead. When the church was started, Christians were secure in trusting Jesus and the promises He made. Move forward 40-60 years in the life of the church and Christians are being tested as never before. Christians were wondering whether God was noticing what they were going through. It is to these questions that Jesus answers, “I am the Alpha and the Omega.” Jesus is exhorting the first century church to trust him. He had been faithful up to that point, and he would be faithful in the future.
These same questions threaten our hearts. Does God know my situation? Is God still strong enough to take care of me? These issues, and more, burden our spirits. Just as God encouraged the first century Christians, He encourages us today. The message of Scripture is for God’s people in all times. God says: “Trust Me!” Jesus is still the Alpha and the Omega. He is the source of life and the answer to life. Keep looking up!