"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty" (Revelation 1:8). The purpose of the Revelation of John is to assure us that Jesus Christ is and always will be on the throne. No matter what is happening, or will happen, God is in control. "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" (Revelation 1:17-18).
"I am the Alpha"; in the beginning, God. The Bible starts with God, and without knowing God, I will never know myself. If I am created by nothing, then I make up my own rules, I create my own meaning and purpose and truth. But God "formed my inward parts; and knitted me together in my mother's womb." Therefore, "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:13-14). I have a choice to make, do I delight in God and his Kingdom, or do I go with the world and its ways?
Jim was a high school senior, a nice kid who decided to ask the most popular girl in the school to Prom. He wasn't sure, however, she knew who he was. Undeterred, he picked up the phone, "Hi Shari, this is Jim Britts." It was silent for a moment. "I sit behind you in History." She remembered. "Would you like to go to Senior Prom?" Silence. "With me?" he added. More silence, then, finally, "Sure, why not." The most popular girl said she would go.
But, really, that wasn't good enough, and Jim knew it. "I'm sorry Shari," Jim insisted, 'Sure, why not' just won't do. "It has to be either, 'Jim, I'd be delighted to have you escort me to my Senior Prom,' or 'Jim, you're the last person on earth I'd want to be seen with.'"
Jesus said to the church at Laodicea, "Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth" (Revelation 3:15-16). "Sure, why not" just won't do.
It was silent again. A longer silence. And then, "Jim, I'd be delighted to have you escort me to my Senior Prom." They had a fabulous evening.
Daily Prayer
Father God, I am all in. You are worth my everything and more. All that I have is from You and for You.
Forgive me for and protect me from my half-hearted efforts. I want You to be part of everything in my life. I want everything in my life to point to You and give You pleasure. You are my God.
Amen
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