Revelation 1:4-8 (NRSV)
Read Revelation 1:4-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 4John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, Verse 5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, Verse 6and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Verse 7Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. Verse 8"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
Devotion
A wise professor at Luther Seminary by the name of Randy Nelson once said that he believes that a key role of pastors is to teach others how to say hello and good-bye more effectively. From the joy of births, baptisms and weddings to the sadness of hospital visits, divorce counseling and funerals, and everything that lies between, a pastor is significantly involved in many transitions throughout life.
That is just a tiny glimpse (a revelation, really!) of the one we call Jesus. John reminds us that he is more than any transitions that go on in our lives. He is our Alpha and Omega, who is and who was and who is to come. And despite all our faults and sins, this Jesus will carry us all in that great transition from life to the everlasting. That is true grace and peace.
Prayer
Lord of life, we thank you for loving us and freeing us from our sins by your blood. In all the transitions of our lives, show us that you are our Alpha and Omega. And help us to teach others your grace and peace. Amen.