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So, today we begin the book of Revelation. I have to admit, while I find the book fascinating, I find it difficult to read and meditate on. Over the next several days, as we go through this book, my approach will mostly be an attempt to pull nuggets out of each day’s reading as opposed to broad sweeping prophetic interpretation. If anyone would like to comment on the prophecy being presented, please feel free to do so, but I will most likely keep it pretty simple.
In today’s reading, verse 8 was the major verse that stood out to me, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” There is great comfort (and maybe a little brain discomfort) in knowing that God has always been and always will be. God has been the ruler of the universe before our human history started and will continue to be the ruler into eternity. The fears and concerns over my future are temporary, knowing in the end God will continue to be in control.
Well, I don’t know about you, Dino, but I’m a Revelation expert and plan to interpret the entire book for all your readers with such accuracy as to send us all into full Zombie apocalypse mode.:)
On a more serious note, though, your comment about God being the Alpha and Omega does give incredible comfort. We really don’t know the entirety of what will someday come down the pike, but we can trust that God is the beginning and the end and that no matter what, he will care for those who rely on him. We must keep that in mind, even when the Zombies are banging on our front door…
Another thing. I love how John opens the book with a full description of how awesome and powerful Jesus is. He knows what he’s about to write is scary. He knows the persecution believers are currently enduring is terrifying. He knows that they and we must know the comfort that is “abiding in Christ.” He’s the same guy who wrote about Jesus being the vine and us the branches. He understands what abiding in Christ means. He knows that it has been his comfort during his persecution and subsequent exile.