Feb 11, 2005 5 min read

Scripture reading: John 1:1-14. Text: “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ He (a loud voice from the throne) said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the BEGINNING and the END. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.'” Revelation 21:6. As we begin Lent this year, let us stop for a moment to stand in the front of a mirror and see ourselves with critical observation. Let our text be the mirror that will reflect on our hidden thoughts and unrevealed desires.

“I AM THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA, THE BEGINNING AND THE END.”

Our Lord made this statement about himself. See also Revelation 1:8 and 22:13. Several Bible passages can be quoted to underline this reality.

For example:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning . . .” John 1:1-2.

“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning . . .” Colossians 1:17-18.

“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.” 1 Corinthians 15:22-23.

The statement that Jesus Christ is the beginning and the end is also true concerning the spiritual life of the believers. One will start to “live spiritually” when he/she meets the resurrected Lord (see what happened to apostle Paul, that is Saul, on the way to Damascus, Acts of Apostles 9:1-19). Also when we are called to the eternal home, we will be with Christ, “Jesus answered him (the criminal crucified next to him) ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'” Luke 23:43.

THE THREE POSITIONS PEOPLE THINK THEY ARE IN OR WISH TO BE.

Ask anyone what does he/she think about himself/herself? Will he/she be saved or condemned? Most likely the answer will be: “I do not know, but I am basically a good person, not the best but not the worst either, “I AM IN BETWEEN.” The public is convinced that salvation and condemnation are “church business,” good for the clergy to speak about, and the average man on the street is happy with the “general goodness” which is in between sainthood and wickedness. It is not the “sales talk” of the pastors to inform the people that the Bible does not know about this “in between” state because you are either saved or not. Please read: Matthew 25:31-46 and John 5:28-29. Those who think that they are in between do not care to know the origin of redemption and the final destination we are heading for.

The other special place we like to be is IN THE CENTER. Every creature likes to be in the center of attention. Without exception, we prefer to be the life of the party, the celebrated hero, the number one in the class, the winner of the contest and the most popular in the community. The opposite of being in the center is even more noticeable. There are some who will get sick if they are ignored, neglected, overlooked or belittled. Children and old folks crave for attention, and it is also well known that retired people may die soon after leaving their jobs if they feel useless and being discarded.

The third position is AT THE TOP. In every undisclosed statement, this question is hidden; just what do you think I am? You cannot do this to me! We can be proud of our race, religion, education, family background, social status, success in our business or reputation in our profession and make others feel that they are not on the same level with us. In this position, again the opposite is important: humbleness, modesty and meekness. It is not enough that certain people assume that they are on the top but “on the top of it.” They do not want anybody else to get close to them and be on the same rung of the social ladder.

During Lent, we are supposed to practice self-examination, self-criticism and self-correction. This year, through the Bible our Lord challenges us: what do you think, where are you and where do you wish to be? Are you really IN BETWEEN perfect goodness and total wickedness? Or, shall you always be IN THE CENTER of attention?

Or, do you deserve to be AT THE TOP all the time? Jesus Christ said about himself not only: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” But, He also said: “I am gentle and humble in heart.” Matthew 11:29. And, He said: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6.

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The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.