90. Christ: Beginning and Ending

Christ is the Alpha, the first, the One before Abraham, the beginning. Christ is the Omega, the last, the One whom Abraham rejoiced to see, the ending.

At the beginning of His ministry, doubting Nathanael could exclaim, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49). At the end of His life, the centurion could exclaim, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matt. 27:54) and once-faithless Thomas could proclaim, “My Lord, and my God!” (John 20:28).

At the beginning of His ministry, He was hungry. At the end of His ministry and life, hanging upon a cross, He was thirsty. Throughout His ministry, He was tired. He slept in a ship that was tossed with the waves. He sat upon a well of Samaria, being weary. Even in His sleep, He taught a lesson in the storm. Even as He sat to rest, He was witnessing and redeeming the time. When He was hungry, He didn’t blame the Father, nor doubt His providing care. In His death, He did not speak the prophetic words that brought liquid to his lips until the work was fully done. Early in His life, He could speak of the necessity of doing the Father’s will. Finally in death, He could speak of completing that will to perfection.

At the beginning of His life, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. After His death, He was wrapped in clean linen clothes and laid in a tomb. At His birth, men brought costly spices in adoration and appreciation of His person, King of the Jews. At His death, Nicodemus and faithful women did the same.  At the beginning of His life, faithful Anna could speak of Him in anticipation of redemption. At the end of His life, faithful Mary could pour her precious ointment over her Redeemer in anticipation of His death.

At the beginning of His life, His mother cared for Him, holding the Father of Eternity in her arms. Perhaps it was the cross that brought John, Mary (the Lord’s mother) and the Lord together (after a time), and as Jesus looked down upon them, He commended His dear earthly mother to His loved disciple’s care.

At the beginning of His earthly life, the Father sent the Son. After His resurrection, He could say “even so send I you” (John 20:21). His death didn’t change Peter’s calling, and 153 fish soon became 3,000 men.

At the beginning of His ministry, He attended a wedding. There He shewed forth His glory and gave reason for joy. There was no wedding at His death, but there He purchased His bride. He anticipates that day when Bride and Bridegroom will be united in glory together.

Let us love, and sing, and wonder.

One thought on “90. Christ: Beginning and Ending

  • November 13, 2012 at 1:57 pm
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    After supper last night, my family and I were discussing the first and last mentions of tears/sorrow in Scripture. In the beginning, the first mention of sorrow is Genesis 3:16. Even though the word “tears” is not mentioned, I have to think that there were most likely a lot of tears, especially from Eve, during the events of Genesis 3:8-24. Man’s relationship with God was broken by sin.

    During His life on earth, the Lord Jesus cried several times over the results of sin. Christ came to restore our relationship with Himself, and after His resurrection, He was able to comfort His disciples with the words “Fear not” (Matt. 28:5), “Be not afraid” (Matt. 28:10), and “Peace be unto you” (Luke 24:36).

    The last mention of tears is in Rev. 21:4. The redeemed with be with the Lord forever & once again, enjoy perfect, unbroken communion & intimacy. Hallelujah, “there shall be no more… sorrow”!

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