The book of Revelation was most likely written during the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian, AD.81-96, during a time of great persecution for the Christian church. We are not sure who wrote the book of Revelation, although early tradition holds that John the apostle was the author. It is written as a letter, with particular reference to seven churches in the Roman province of Asia - western Asia Minor. Our passage for study serves as the salutation and doxology of the letter.

v4. The letter is sent to seven particular churches. These may be within John's pastoral care, or the number 7 may just be an apocalyptic device. The greeting is typical, although with a Christian twist. "Grace", a typical Greek greeting, is united with "peace" (shalom), the Hebrew greeting. The greeting is from God, the one whose name cannot be declared openly, Ex.3:14-15, and also from the "seven Spirits." This seven is most likely not the Holy Spirit, but rather members of the glorious heavenly assembly of created beings who serve the Lamb.

v5a. A greeting of grace and peace also comes from Jesus. Jesus is given three titles: First, he is the "faithful witness". This title refers to his work of revelation, particularly during his life on earth. Jesus' second title is "the firstborn from the dead." This title refers to Jesus' resurrection - he is the first to rise. Jesus' third title is, "ruler of the kings of the earth." On the last day all will bow before Jesus. What the Devil offered Jesus in return for worshiping him, Jesus has now gained through his faithful obedience to the will God.

v5b. A doxology to Christ follows. It is ascribed to Jesus, the one who loves us and who has given his life for us to free us from the bondage of sin.

v6. Christ has freed us to be a "kingdom and priests." This was the hope of Israel, Ex.19:5-6, a hope now fulfilled in the church. We have royal standing in the sight of God and access into his presence. To Christ be "glory and power", serves as a declaration of Christ's exalted status.

v7. John now declares that the exalted Christ is about to come and establish his rule on earth. The end is near, at hand, virtually upon us, "he is coming." John uses two Old Testament texts to craft this verse: Daniel's coming "son of man", Dan.7:13, and Zechariah's "pierced" one, Zech.12:10. The son of man is the one who comes with the clouds to stand before the Ancient of Days and take possession of a kingdom. The pierced one stands before Israel as the rejected one, although John has him pierced before the world. The spearing of Jesus at the crucifixion serves as an initial fulfillment of this prophecy. Thus, Christ's coming is imminent and those against him will mourn on that day.

v8. In conclusion, John declares a word from God. The Lord God is the beginning and end of all things; He is the "Almighty"; He is supreme over all things, over all circumstances.

Believers in the first century, living under the terror of the Roman emperor Domitian, may well have wondered if God was in control. In the face of violence, death and destruction, where was the protecting hand of their Lord?

We have all experienced the chaos of life, and it is because we believe in a loving sovereign God, that we are perplexed by the seeming reign of evil. If God is fore us, how is it that the circumstances of life seem to work against us?

Of course, the simplistic solution for suffering is to look for divine intervention, yet our God is not an interventionist God. On many occasions, throughout the Bible and during the history of the people of Israel and the Christian church, God's people have waited in vain for his hand to stay an evil power. We too wait in vain when we look to God to give us long life, health, wealth and happiness. Even when we use prayer as a lever to get God to do what we want him to do, our troubles often continue.

If he is a loving God, surely he should not let his people suffer? We can speculate on the "why" of our suffering. Like Job's friends, we may put it down to "indwelling sin" or "little faith". Both of these are common suggestions, but in the end they are inane ones.

When John addresses the seven churches in Asia he proclaims a central theological truth that has the power to confront their pending troubles. God in Christ is supreme over all things. He is the "Almighty" one. It is this truth which gives encouragement and support in times of crisis.

How then does Christ's supremacy intersect with our troubles? As the one who is the beginning and end of all things, nothing can frustrate his eternal will. Whatever may occur, God's ultimate intentions for us are good; he "loves us." We may be caught up in the chaos of this age, but in the hand of Almighty God, this chaos cannot frustrate His sovereign intentions for us. So, we need to take our eyes off the trouble and look to Jesus the source of truth and life, v5. We are forgiven and so have the right to rule and the right of free access into God's presence, v6. Above all, the day is soon coming when Jesus will return to judge this age and its evil and so vindicate his people, v7.

Thus, we stand blessed under the hand of the Almighty God.

1. What is meant by the description of God as "Alpha and the Omega"?

2. In what way does God's sovereignty intersect with the troubles of life?