Christ the Alpha and Omega: Reflections on Revelation 1:4b-8
Revelation is often seen as a mysterious and intimidating book, filled with apocalyptic imagery and cryptic symbols. Yet, its purpose is profoundly pastoral: to provide hope and assurance to believers living in a world where faithfulness can feel like an uphill battle. The passage we focus on today sets the tone by anchoring us in the eternal reign of Christ and reminding us of our place in His kingdom.
John begins by greeting his audience with a blessing rooted in the nature of God as eternal and unchanging. This description—"who is, who was, and who is to come"—reminds us that God’s presence transcends time. It speaks to His faithfulness in the past, His constancy in the present, and His promise to be with us in the future.
For us, as modern Christians, this is a source of great comfort. Especially as many people find themselves in the midst of uncertainty, change, and fear, the unchanging nature of God provides a firm foundation. As members of the Episcopal Church, we encounter this assurance in the Eucharistic Prayer when we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
John’s greeting also emphasizes our identity in Christ: “To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father” (Rev. 1:6, NRSV). These words are a powerful reminder that we are not only recipients of God’s love and grace but also active participants in His mission.
The Episcopal Church’s theology of the “priesthood of all believers” echoes this sentiment. Each one of us is called to live as Christ’s representatives in the world, sharing His love, working for justice, and proclaiming the good news. At St. Mary Magdalene & St. Martin, we embody this calling through our community outreach, whether it’s supporting local shelters, aiding families in crisis, or standing alongside marginalized communities.
The passage culminates in the majestic declaration of Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This title underscores Christ’s authority over all creation—He is the beginning of everything and the one in whom all things will ultimately be fulfilled.
For us, this means that Christ is not only present in the joyful moments of creation and beginnings but also in the endings and transitions that can feel like loss. The hope of Revelation lies in this truth: the end of our story is not despair or destruction but renewal and reconciliation in Christ.
Revelation 1:4b-8 calls us to lift our eyes to the eternal reign of Christ and to live as faithful witnesses to His kingdom. It challenges us to trust in His sovereignty, to find peace in His unchanging nature, and to embrace our identity as His beloved.
As we reflect on this passage, consider how we might embody the hope and love of Christ in our lives. How can we proclaim His eternal reign, not only with our words but with our actions? How can we bring the light of His kingdom into the corners of the world that need it most?
May we go forth with grace and peace from the One who is and who was and who is to come, bearing witness to the Alpha and Omega, our eternal King.
