April 17, 2012
"I
am the Alpha and the Omega--the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "I am
the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come--the Almighty One." --
Revelation 1: 8 (NLT)
God is writing a grand story. It has
spanned the millennia of time. It is a story of unconditional love and
redemption. When you operate with an acknowledgement of God but have no
relationship with Jesus Christ; it is like having only part of the story. The
key verse today reminds us that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega. These represent
the first and last letter of the Greek alphabet. Jesus is the first and last
chapter of the story of this life. He was there at the beginning and He will be
there at the end -- count on it.
Today God is showing me that this is
one of the greatest schemes the enemy uses against the lost. Just enough of God
to know He exists but not enough to bother finding out who He is. The devil
knows that atheism is a tough sell because there is so much proof of God
everywhere. So, non-believers can see a beautiful sunset and appreciate that
there is a God but still have no desire to pursue Him. They can cry out to Him
when things are wrong in their life but never turn that life over to Him. They
have some of the chapters of the story. They might have the chapter on His
creation and they appreciate all that they see in nature. They might have the
chapter about His love and foolishly think that is all they need to get into
heaven. But they are missing the beginning and the end. They only have half the
story and are missing the most important chapters! The first chapter is the
cross:
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for
destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. --
1Corinthians 1: 18 (NLT)
John 3:16 is not just a sign held
up at football games. It is the opening chapter of the love letter of God to
us. But as we see here, until we come into a relationship with Jesus Christ,
the message of the cross is foolishness to us. It's like starting a book in
chapter two. Likewise, they are missing the final chapter:
Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices
shameful idolatry and dishonesty--but only those whose names are written in the
Lamb's Book of Life. -- Revelation 21:27 (NLT)
You see, while missing the first
chapter prevents people from understanding the sacrifice that was made for them
-- missing the last chapter prevents people from realizing there is a cost
associated with how their life is lived. The world sells the notion that good
deeds are enough. That is a lie from Satan. Jesus said that He was the way and
none come to God except through Him. I understand that some people who are
walking in darkness can get offended by the exclusivity of that statement but I
didn't write it. I am just saying I believe it.
I believe it because now that I am saved, I have the entire story. I have the first chapter when Christ died for my sins to reconcile me to God and I have the final chapter where I can see my Lord returning and I now understand my responsibilities in this life. Jesus was to forgive my sins. Jesus is to provide me with an abundant life now. Jesus is to come to promise me eternal life. Now that is a grand story.
Rev. Anthony
