LORD FROM BEGINNING TO END

By Doug Redford

Do any of you use a Bible reading program that takes you through the Bible in one year? Such a program begins, as one might expect, with the book of Genesis and God’s creative activity, climaxed by his declaration that all he had made was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). By the second day of the year, when the pages of the Bible are still numbered in single digits, sin has entered the world because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience.  

However, not long after we read of sin’s devastating impact, we read of God’s plan to address sin: the promise to Eve that her offspring would crush the head of the serpent who had deceived her into disobedience (Genesis 3:15). The Creator was already preparing to become the Re-creator by his intent to reverse the curse caused by sin. Jesus came to carry out that plan: to “destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8, New International Version). The “grand finale” of that design is covered in the passage that the Bible reading program includes on the last day of the year: Revelation 22.  

Between now and then, who knows what events will occur as the year unfolds? Though Satan’s defeat is guaranteed by the mighty acts of Jesus, the enemy is still a “roaring lion” on the prowl (1 Peter 5:8). The culture will likely become increasingly hostile toward Christian faith and ideals. Some weeks during the coming year may be especially draining on our faith; our lives may be brutally interrupted by tragic events that will prove devastating. We will need the weekly reassurance provided by Communion that Jesus’ victory is secure; there is nothing Satan can do to reverse the impact of Jesus’ broken body and shed blood.  

In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” That may not seem to be one of Jesus’ more insightful statements; anyone could make that observation. But only Jesus could speak what comes before and after those words: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace” and “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” As you take these emblems of Communion today, take heart. Remember that while we are “in this world,” we are also “in Jesus.” From the first day of the year to the last, from the beginning to the end, Jesus is “the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:13). 

Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities arise.    

Author: Doug Redford

Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities arise.