Seek First – Kingdom Focused Devotionals

The book of Revelation declares that Christ is the Alpha and the Omega.  Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last.  Thus this statement means that Christ is the beginning and the end and everyone in between. 

            When we speak of Jesus being “first” we are speaking of His pre-existence.  But there is even more to this statement than meets the eye.  John, in his gospel (ch. 8 ) records a conversation between Jesus and Jewish leaders.  They are talking about their lineage and the Jews proudly refer to the father Abraham.  Jesus tells them that their father had been overjoyed to know he would witness Jesus’ appearance.  They are thoroughly confused, indicating that Jesus was not even 50 years old.  Jesus responded, “I assure you; ‘Before Abraham was, I am” (58).  His listeners are incensed and take up rocks to stone Him for blasphemy. 

            It was the use of “I am” that was most surprising for it is the Old Testament name Yahweh, only applied to the one true God.  There it is–Jesus is fully God, eternal in nature.  He is the only means of reconciliation between God and man.  Is He first in your life? 

Prayer:  Thank You Father that You Sent the eternal one to earth so that I might have eternal life.

Do you find yourself frequently defeated by a familiar spiritual enemy?  If so you may identify with the story found in Genesis 20.  Abraham lies about his wife, claiming that she is his sister (2). 

            Abraham justifies his action by arguing; “I thought, ‘There is absolutely no fear of God in this place.  They will kill me because of my wife’” (20:11).  Once again we are reminded of God’s grace in the everyday affairs of men.  “But God came to Abimelech in a dream” (20:3).  Abimelech was the king of Gerar and when God made known to him the deceit of Abraham, he returned Sarah, Abraham’s wife. 

            Stories like this aren’t glamorous and they do not give us the best impression of Abraham, a man who will grow into a giant of the faith.  But they are honest and they do encourage us when we fall short of God’s standard.  This story assures us that God is our ultimate protection.  How arrogant of Abraham to think that his half-truth about Sarah would provide greater protection than the sovereign God of the universe.  Today, if you are tempted to rely on your own ingenuity, remember God’s power is greater than your circumstances.  

Prayer: Thank you Father that you give us another chance.  Teach me to rely on You.  Amen.