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
John tells the churches that Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection are the promise that God has always been and always will be with us.
Life is difficult however, especially if we don’t learn from our experiences. At 90 years of age, in writing a new book, Amazing Grace: A Journey of Self-Discovery, I realized that God’s grace was my constant companion, even when I was not consciously aware of it.
As a child living in a foster home, abused in every way, I became emotionally depressed, and while attending seminary, I attempted suicide. But by God’s grace I found the courage to not give up when life seemed hopeless, the strength to forgive the unforgivable, and the wisdom to live more consciously. I discovered the serenity to accept my true self, the perseverance to transform my weaknesses into strengths, and through the power of God and therapy I found recovery from my addictions and the healing of my brain of PTSD. This is my message of God’s grace to the churches.
Prayer
God, we are grateful that your divine presence is everywhere and always available. In faith we affirm that you are our Alpha and Omega. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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