Alpha and Omega
Sjollema, Joop, 1900-1990. Alpha and Omega, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=58635 [retrieved May 27, 2022]. Original source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alpha_en_Omega_-_Joop_Sjollema_2.jpg.
Exploring the Text: The divine invitation
In verse 17 we see the repeated invitation to come to Jesus. The Spirit of God invites us to come. The Bride of Christ, the church, invites us to come. Those who hear the divine invitation extend it to others and invite us to come. Any one who is thirsty for what only God can provide is invited to come and take freely without cost or obligation. God is extending a divine invitation to anyone who is in need, anyone who is desperate, anyone who wants and needs something different, anyone is free to come. Regardless of our backgrounds, regardless of our failings, regardless of our ongoing struggles, regardless of our current circumstances, God is extending a divine invitation to come and find satisfaction in him. The divine invitation is being extended to you today. The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." Those who have gone before us say, "Come." Will you take up the divine invitation? Today, will you come to God?
In verse 17 we see the repeated invitation to come to Jesus. The Spirit of God invites us to come. The Bride of Christ, the church, invites us to come. Those who hear the divine invitation extend it to others and invite us to come. Any one who is thirsty for what only God can provide is invited to come and take freely without cost or obligation. God is extending a divine invitation to anyone who is in need, anyone who is desperate, anyone who wants and needs something different, anyone is free to come. Regardless of our backgrounds, regardless of our failings, regardless of our ongoing struggles, regardless of our current circumstances, God is extending a divine invitation to come and find satisfaction in him. The divine invitation is being extended to you today. The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." Those who have gone before us say, "Come." Will you take up the divine invitation? Today, will you come to God?
Spiritual Practices: Breath Prayer
Overview
In verse 12, and again in verse 20, Jesus tells us that he is coming soon. John's response is to declare, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" When we think about the coming on Jesus Christ, our hearts often cry the same thing. We long to see good finally triumph over evil and justice be established forever. We know these things will only happen when Jesus finally comes back to establish his throne in peace, justice, and righteousness forever. With this breath prayer, we join in John's prayer for the soon return of Jesus.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, come.
Overview
In verse 12, and again in verse 20, Jesus tells us that he is coming soon. John's response is to declare, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" When we think about the coming on Jesus Christ, our hearts often cry the same thing. We long to see good finally triumph over evil and justice be established forever. We know these things will only happen when Jesus finally comes back to establish his throne in peace, justice, and righteousness forever. With this breath prayer, we join in John's prayer for the soon return of Jesus.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, come.