The First to Arrive and the Last to Leave
The Alpha and Omega
Every event or gathering needs a good planner, one who is willing to put in the work of preparation to ensure all parts are in place and accounted for. You might describe this person as a manager or steward. They are responsible for the satisfaction of the guests and the smoothness of transitions. The success of the day depends on this person’s labor, level of organization, and delegation of tasks. They are “the first to arrive and the last to leave.”
The Book of Revelation—when you see the title of the last book of the Bible, all sorts of thoughts may enter your mind. Perhaps you are frightened by the events of this book or confused about what it all means. There are many systematic ideas about how to interpret the contents of this book. Many of us fall into the latter camp, myself included. However, the overall purpose of Revelation is to reveal Jesus Christ as the conquering King, the Lamb who was slain to defeat the power of the devil and to make us into a kingdom and priests to God (Revelation 1:6; 5:10). Throughout the book, Jesus refers to himself as “the first to arrive and the last to leave.”
Revelation contains numerous spectacular scenes of heavenly worship and descriptions of Jesus, but over and over again, Jesus introduces himself as the First and the Last, a title he shares with God the Father.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:8 (ESV)
“Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV)
“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
Revelation 21:6 (ESV)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
Revelation 22:13 (ESV)
Christians, your Lord and Savior is the Alpha. He is the beginning and the first. He is the Creator of all things. Before matter existed, Jesus was here. All things have their meaning and purpose in him (Colossians 1:17, Acts 17:28). Children of God, your King and Lord is the Omega. He is the end and the last. He came to earth to finish the task of uniting us all together under the shadow of his wings (Ephesians 1:10; Psalm 91). Jesus Christ will also judge the world and reward the faithful at the consummation of all things (Acts 17:31).
Friends, Jesus is the first to arrive and the last to leave. He prepared the party, and he will be here to clean up when it is all over. What does this mean for us? Here are a few applications:
- Your life has purpose. You do not randomly exist by chance. Your life was given to you with the Almighty’s most careful intentions. Your life matters because the Creator of all things gave you the breath of life.
- Your God is Sovereign. Today, Jesus Christ reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords. There is not a nation or continent where his reign does not encompass every square inch. The reality of this should provide a peculiarly optimistic perspective on the future of the world. Filter your uncertainties about life through this truth.
- His Word is true. Christ is right in all he has said, from beginning to end. Heed his faithful words, and let the Scriptures mold your heart anew.
Bee-Attitude
Blessed are those who trust in Jesus Christ, the First and the Last, for they shall find truth and purpose in him.
Author Profile
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
