“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush and said, “I am who I am,” (Exodus 3:14) it was a declaration of His eternal and unchanging nature. Similarly, in Revelation 1:4, and 8, Jesus introduces Himself to John, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending, who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” These statements emphasise God’s eternal and unchanging nature, affirming His divine identity and timeless, unshakable presence.
“Alpha” and “Omega” are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolising completeness, entirety, and eternity. So when Jesus refers to Himself as the Alpha and Omega, He proclaims His sovereignty over all time and space, signifying that He is the beginning and the end, the first and the last, and the ultimate authority over all creation. He is proclaiming His eternal nature, omnipotence, and supremacy. Now, pay attention to the second phrase in Christ’s introduction to Himself:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending, who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Rev 1:8
We know time consists of the past, the present, and the future. So Jesus could have described himself as the God who was, who is, and who is to come. But he wanted John to know that he was the “Now God”! God, who is present in the now, So He started by saying, “God, who is“
The Lord wants us to know that He is not just a God of the past or the future but also a God who is with us today. He is the “now God,” present in our current circumstances, ready to help, heal, and guide us. Understanding Him as the “now God” brings a profound sense of comfort and empowerment. Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking of Jesus only as a historical figure from the past or as the one who will come again in the future.
While we eagerly await the return of Jesus and the fulfilment of our ultimate hope, we should also recognise the importance of living fully in the present moment. We must understand that today is a gift, filled with opportunities to experience God’s presence, power, love, and comfort. And Jesus is the ever-present God to aid and guide us into the fullness of life.
Paul begins his epistle to the Jews in Hebrew by assuring them, “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:5-7. They have called God by the name “God of Isaac, Jacob, and Abraham” but never realised that He is an ever-present father ready to help with their worries, fears, and anxiety.
Jesus is the “now God.” His constant presence and relevance in our lives are significant. While we await His return, let’s live fully in the present, experiencing His love and guidance each day; Embracing His presence that brings peace in every circumstance. He said he would never leave or forsake you!
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk