The Bible Edge
Everyone needs an Edge, Believers can have the Bible Edge
Revelation 1:8
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
The word “Almighty” is used 57 times in the Holy Bible. Every time it is capitalized, meaning that it is a proper noun, a person’s name. Nine of those times the word is used in the New Testament, once in II Corinthians and eight times in Revelation. This is a descriptive name given to the Lord God that highlights one of His characteristics. That characteristic is that He and He alone is Almighty! There may be other gods, lords, masters, but, for example there is only one Emmanuel, one Christ, one Holy Ghost and there is only one Almighty.
In Revelation chapter 1 this “Almighty” introduces Himself to John. The Apostle John is on the island of Patmos (a penal island) banished because of his faithful and continued preaching of Christ. Evidently those in power thought that by removing him from society his influence would end. But on that island on a Sunday, the Lord’s Day, John received the Revelation of Jesus Christ, a book that reveals Christ. Somehow, he wrote all that he saw as if he were an “on the scene reporter” and then somehow those letters (all that he saw and heard) were sent to the seven churches in Asia.
Frankly, Jesus did not so much as introduce Himself to John, but rather pronounced His presence in an uncommon fashion, reminiscent of a noble head of state being ceremonially introduced. In life Jesus took upon Himself no reputation, but now, in a post resurrection appearance, the Lord made bold and unparalleled statements about Himself that elevates Him above all others; such as identifying Himself as the Almighty. Even the casual reader will understand that this person speaking with John is none other than Jesus Christ. Read the chapter. It’s clear; He starts by stating: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Speaking of His beginning, being the “Alpha,” John Himself wrote: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1-3) As far as being the “Omega” the writer of Hebrews stated: Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith… (Hebrews 12:2). He is the one that is, which was, and which is to come, on this the Bible is clear.
Jesus then is the Almighty. He’s on the job. He is able. He is powerful. He is in control. He is coming again. Even the verse before today’s verse says: Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7) An edge in life is to have someone on your side that can help in time of trouble. Well, today’s Bible Edge is a reminder that there is someone who wants to be on your side, someone who can help.
He is called the Almighty.
William T. Howe, Ph.D.