Alpha and Omega: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Revelation 22:12-13, “See, I am coming soon, my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Like physical life, faith begins in hope and in many ways remains unseen until after the fact.  There is a worship song that contains the line, “From life’s first cry till final breath...”. We recognize the fragility of new birth as well as ending days and we protect both milestones of those we love with tender care and constant love.

Not that we ignore the in between years but often allow self-sufficiency and concrete visible reliance to support us. Unless asked we respect each other’s right to self—both positively and negatively—choice. But it can be a very lonely and barren life that excludes love and friendship, family and community. And lack of accountability can lead to deep physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering.

From the moment we recognize and accept Jesus’ gift of life He never leaves. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit seal us with His name and we are life breathed into His kingdom. Yet often we continue to carry our self-sufficiency with us and do not recognize, or are willing to accept, that this new life cannot reach its fullness apart from Jesus. He is our beginning and our end spiritually. 

Apart from His mercy and His breath in us we cannot reach or become the person He has created and called us to be. It’s not a one-time step but a moment-by-moment way of breathing in new life: the beginning and ending of each day, each season, each choice or decision, each crossroad, and each relationship.

Without His word alive within we do not have the capability to do the work He appoints. We are unable to return our lives as an offering. Unless we accept His gift of life—His mercy—His ongoing Presence in our lives—His provision for us to not only receive eternal life but the addition of rewards as well.

Thank you, Lord, that You are our beginning and our end for all the days that exist. Thank you for Your gift of faith to enable us to walk a road we rarely even recognize.

Than you for Your Grace that does not ever abandon us.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 19:7-9

“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;

The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;

The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;

The judgments of the Lord are true, they are righteous altogether.”