GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Psalm 96:1-13; 2 Corinthians 1:15-18; John 1:14

Introduction

The word glory is full of significance and depth, capturing on honour, magnificence, and excellence, playing on the concept of heavy, weighty, of worth, making someone impressive and thus deserving honour. For us to be in the position to testify God's glory, we must first encounter and understand this glory and marvelous deeds.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, join me to reflect on the scriptures, on the theme of "Jesus Christ as the Alpha and the Omega: testifying of His glory and marvelous deeds." 

Bible Exploration

In Psalm 96, we are called by the Psalmist to sing to the Lord a new song; to declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. We are reminded that the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.

Precious one, this is the foundation of our faith – the acknowledgment that our Lord is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He is the source of all things, the creator of the heavens and the earth. It is in Him that we find our strength and our beauty. It is in Him that we find honor and majesty. Let us therefore declare His glory among the nations and His marvelous deeds among all peoples, for He alone is worthy.

In the passage from 2 Corinthians 1, the apostle Paul speaks of the faithfulness of God. He testified that in Christ, every promise of God finds its "Yes." For this reason, through Christ, we utter our "Amen" to God for His glory. It is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, and who has also put His seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

Paul's words remind us of the centrality of Christ in our faith. Jesus Christ, as the Alpha and the Omega, is the ultimate affirmation of God's promises. In Him, we find the fulfillment of every covenant, the embodiment of every truth. It is through Him that we are established and anointed, and it is through Him that we receive the guarantee of the Spirit in our hearts. Let us therefore utter our "Amen" to God for His glory, testifying of the faithfulness of our Lord and Saviour.

Finally, in the Gospel of John, we read about the miraculous incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

This passage encapsulates the essence of our faith – the recognition of Jesus Christ as the Word made flesh, the revelation of the glory of God. Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, took on human form, dwelling among humanity to reveal the Father's glory. In His life, death, and resurrection, we witness the culmination of God's redemptive plan for mankind. He is the Alpha, the beginning of creation, and the Omega, the fulfillment of God's salvific purpose. It is through Him that we receive the ultimate revelation of God's glory and marvelous deeds.

Testimony of His Glory and Marvelous Deeds

As we try to understand the magnificent glory of God, let us consider the implications of Jesus Christ as the Alpha and the Omega in our lives. 

Firstly, His identity as the beginning and the end reminds us that He is the source and the culmination of all things. "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." (Colossians 1:16). 

In Him, we find our origin and our destiny (Ps. 96:10). He is the foundation of our faith, the anchor of our hope, and the promise of our salvation. With this understanding, let us obey the call to sing a new song and testify of Christ's marvelous deeds and glory to the nation and among all peoples.

Secondly, Jesus Christ as the Alpha and the Omega testifies to His sovereignty over all creation. "For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell," (Colossians 1:19). He is not merely a historical figure or a religious teacher, but the Lord of lords and the King of kings. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him, (Matt. 28:18) and every knee will bow before Him. Let us therefore submit to His Lordship and proclaim His reign in every area of our lives.

Thirdly, the recognition of Jesus Christ as the Alpha and the Omega calls us to testify of His glory and marvelous deeds. We are called to be witnesses of His power, His love, and His grace. Our lives should reflect the transformation that His presence brings, and our lips should declare His goodness to all nations.

Beloved, as we contemplate the significance of Jesus Christ as the Alpha and the Omega, let us be reminded of His sovereign reign over all creation. Let us testify of His glory and marvelous deeds, proclaiming His name to the ends of the earth. May our lives be a living testimony of His transformative power and grace, drawing others into the embrace of His love.

Conclusion

Precious one, let us continue to sing to the Lord a new song and declare His glory among the nations. Let us remember that in Christ, every promise of God finds its "Yes," and through Him, we utter our "Amen" to God for His glory. Let us behold His glory as the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth, and testify of His marvelous deeds to all peoples.

May the Lord, whom you testify of His glory and marvelous deeds, bless you and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.

Shalom aleikhem...