Wildlife researchers studying Grey wolves offer some interesting details about the rigid social structure typically observed in wolf packs. Described as a strict, dominant/submissive based hierarchy, this arrangement is thought to provide the essential order needed for the pack to function as a unit. Simply stated, the more dominate the wolf, the higher its ranking and influence in the pack. Conversely, the more submissive the wolf, the lower its ranking and influence. The highest ranking, most dominant male and female in the pack are commonly referred to as the alpha pair.

The alpha male is first and foremost the leader of the pack. As the leader he establishes and maintains the pack's hunting territory. He is preeminent and does not show submission to any in the group. All other members submit to him. Generally, he is the only male allowed to breed in the pack and does so with the alpha female.

Next in the hierarchy are the non-breeding adults, each with their own ranking, followed by juveniles and pups. Finally, at the bottom of the hierarchy is the most submissive member of the group, known as the omega wolf. The omega wolf, often a male, is considered to be the scapegoat, as it appears he is not wanted in the pack but rather tolerated. He submits to every member of the pack. Even the pups rank higher than the omega.

The Lord Jesus Christ, creator of the Grey wolf, is Himself known as the Alpha and Omega. Both the supremacy of true deity and the ultimate submission as Son of man and loving Saviour are found in Him. As the eternal Son of God, transcending time and space (Hebrews 1:10-12), the pre-incarnate Redeemer is the creator and sustainer of all. The Bible declares: "He is before all things, and by Him all things consist" (Colossians 1:17); "Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11); "Without Him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). His creative work is a clear testimony to His power, glory, and omniscience (Romans 1:20 ).

As the Saviour, the Son of God, in complete submission to His Father, emptied Himself (laid aside His divine privileges), and was made a little lower than the angels. He became the Son of man for the suffering of death (Hebrews 2:9). As a man, He humbled Himself, taking the place of an obedient servant (Philippians 2:7,8), walked in sinless perfection (1 Peter 2:22), and ever exemplified the love, grace, and truth of God. Yet He was despised and rejected of men (Isaiah 53:3). He was hated without a cause (John 15:25). In the garden of Gethsemane, while in anticipation of the terrible suffering before Him, He prayed to the Father, "Not My will, but Thine, be done" (Luke 22:42).

As the ever-obedient Son, He offered no resistance to those who came to arrest Him; to those who wrongfully tried Him; to those who beat, and shamefully mocked Him; and finally, to those who cruelly crucified Him. On the cross, as the Lamb of God, the sin of the world was laid upon Him, and God judged Him for sins not His own. He poured out His life's blood as a sacrifice for sin, and dismissed His spirit when the work of redemption was finished (John 19:30,34).

No man took His life from Him, but He willingly laid it down (John 10:18). He was buried and arose on the third day. And now as the resurrected Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ is crowned with glory and honor, seated in the place of power and preeminence, at the right hand of the Father. Ultimately, whether in praise or in judgment, all will bow down before Him.

Dear reader have you bowed in submission to Him, the true Alpha and Omega, totally trusting in Him as your personal Saviour? If not, the Spirit of God invites you to do so today. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31). "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36).

—Tim Fearington