"I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last" (Revelation 22:13).

There are portrayed to us in this simply worded yet striking verse some of the all-varied glories of Jesus as seen in His word, His work, and His Person.

"Alpha and Omega," depict the speaking of God, bringing before us the glory of our Lord as the Word, through whom God spoke to men. Christ, as the Alpha and Omega, is the One in whom God is declared in the fulness of His nature as light, love, life, holiness, and truth. Whether God is expressed in grace or judgment, it is by the Alpha and Omega.

"The Beginning and the End." This conveys the thought of activity or doing. The work of creation is ascribed to the Son. The universe sprang into being by the word of His power (Genesis 1; John 1:3). He is the originator of every created thing and the object for whom all are created (Colossians 1:16; Romans 11:36). As to the new creation, He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead (Colossians 1:18). He finished the work of redemption (John 4:34; 17:4; 19:30). Creation and redemption are the work of Him who is the Beginning and the End.

"The First and the Last." In this expression we consider that which sets Him forth in the glory and majesty of His being. He is the self-existent, almighty, eternal One, "who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen" (Romans 9:5). May the Spirit of God deepen in us the appreciation of Christ as the One in whom the Speaking, Doing and Being of God are presented in this amazing Scripture.

—Precious Things