Resilient – A Revelation Daily Devotional – Day 49
Day 49 – September 14
Read or listen to the audio version of the Bible Reading and Daily Devotional.
The final verses of Revelation bring the entire narrative to a powerful conclusion, centering on the unchanging and imminent nature of Jesus Christ. The text is framed by three profound “I AM” statements that underscore His identity and authority. These declarations, found in Revelation 1:8, 1:17, and now in 22:13, bookend the vision, ensuring we have an accurate picture of the one who revealed it.
In Revelation 1:8, Jesus declares, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” identifying Himself as the beginning and the end. He is the one who was, who is, and who is to come. He is the Almighty. In 1:17, He says, “I am the First and the Last,” a title that belongs to God alone in the Old Testament. This final statement in 22:13 brings these together: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
This tri-fold affirmation serves a crucial purpose: it prevents us from crafting a version of Jesus that suits our own needs. He is not a distant, passive figure or a chameleon who changes to fit our cultural moment. His nature is eternal and unchanging. He is the sovereign God who was present at creation, who is actively reigning in the present, and who will bring all things to their final, just conclusion. This is the Jesus to whom we must anchor our faith.
The passage continues with a promise of blessing for those who “wash their robes” and an invitation to enter the city and have access to the tree of life. This is not about self-effort but a reminder that our righteousness comes from Christ alone. He is the source of eternal life, and He is also the one who is coming soon. The urgency of His return is a recurring theme, meant to motivate us to live with a sense of purpose and mission.
The book closes with a stark warning against adding to or taking away from its words. The message is pure and complete. The Spirit and the Bride say “Come!” and those who hear should echo that invitation. The final verse is a simple yet powerful benediction: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.” It reminds us that all of the glory, power, and final victory revealed in the book is a gift of grace, freely given to those who believe.
What a wonderful journey we have taken together through the book of Revelation. It is our hope that the Spirit of God has used these 49 days to do a profound work in your life. We pray now that God will grant you the endurance and resolve to see the lessons learned become impactful in your life. We believe the words of Revelation have the ability, in partnership with the Spirit, to give you a faith that is stronger than the current of life’s circumstance. We pray that you have encountered truth about Christ through this study that will allow you to take next steps in being a Resilient Disciple of Christ Jesus!
Pray: Lord, thank you for revealing Yourself to us as the beginning and the end. Help me to never craft an image of You that suits my own comfort. May the truth of Your unchanging nature anchor my faith. Amen