Revelation 1:4b-8 (NRSV)
Read Revelation 1:4b-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
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come. These words of comfort from our God, given to us through the author of Revelation, remind us that God is indeed eternal—is, was, and is to come. God has existed before time and will exist long after this earth is gone. God has held all of creation together throughout all of eternity and, with Jesus the faithful witness as our Savior, we are made members of a kingdom that will also last throughout and beyond time. We can find comfort in knowing that Jesus reigns now and forever, whether in the good times or the not so good times. And we can rest assured knowing that Jesus loves us and frees us from the grasp of sin so that we can serve others.
Prayer
Gracious God, you are indeed the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Help us to know your peace and to be comforted by your grace so that we may share your love with those in need. Amen.