JESUS CHRIST, the BEGINNING and the END

"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely" (Rev 21:6). "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last" (Rev 22:13).

Devotion 18 of 20

THE REASON FOR EVERYTHING

The words "the End" come from a word meaning "to set out for a definite point or goal; the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., the conclusion of an act or state [termination, result, ultimate or prophetic, purpose] . . . finally, uttermost." It is a large word, befitting of an exalted Savior and a "great salvation."

Jesus is why God purposed to save a people out of the world. They will be a bride for His Son (John 3:29; Rev 21:2,9; 22:17). He is "the End." The Standard to which the saints are being conformed is "the Image of His Son," Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:29) In the end, the saints will "be like Him," for they will see Him "as He is" 1 John 3:1-2). He is "the End." Man does have a value, but it is nothing to compare with that of the Son of God. Mankind is not "the End," and we should not shape our theology or go about our ministries as though it is. If what we are doing does not find its ultimate culmination in Christ Jesus, we do well to abandon it, or it will result in our condemnation.

Christ Jesus is the Reason for everything; the point at which all things culminate, either for good or for evil, for blessing or for cursing, for life or for death. How beautifully this is stated in Colossians 1:16-17. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and FOR HIM." Jesus is the Administrator of both the natural and new creation. All of nature and grace are under His control. It was all made "FOR HIM."

When the cursed order has served His purpose, it will "pass away," having no further reason for existence. Jesus is "the End." When we have finished our orientation period in this world, we will ever be "with the Lord," entering into the grand purpose for which we have been redeemed. Jesus is "the End."

Ultimately, every personality will account to, and be judged by, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is "the End." The journey of life will conclude before "the judgment seat of Christ," where men will "give an account" for what they have done, "whether it be good or bad" (Rom 14:10; 2 Cor 5:10).

His word will be the final word. Should some boast of their accomplishments, Jesus will abruptly conclude their boasting by saying, "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matt 7:23). He will have the last word. He is "the End." When the saints of God, hated, maligned, and rejected by this world, stand before Him, His word will be the final word. "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt 25:34). He is "the End." But there is more to Jesus being "the End" than even this!

Christ is the RATIONALE for everything! The Father had THE SON in mind when He made everything. Mankind was not His primary consideration! All things were made "FOR HIM." He is "the End." While He is certainly mindful of us, and has given us richly all things to enjoy, eternal advantage is found alone in Christ Jesus. Take Jesus out of the Divine scenario, and humanity has no relevance or value at all! He is "the End."

The question that you must settle before you disembark from the shore of time is this: Is Jesus the reason for your life, the focus of your attention, and the objective of your quest? If you can live without Jesus here, Jesus will live without you there. But if you receive Him in His ordained capacity here, He will welcome you there. He is "the End."

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for revealing the place of the Son in Your heart and purpose. In His name I ask for Your strength to honor Him by beholding Him as You do.

-- Tomorrow: GLORIOUS LIBERTY --