What does "I, the LORD, am the first and the last" mean to you? Setting the Scene Isaiah 44:6 declares, “Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel—the LORD of Hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me.’”. The same title appears in Isaiah 41:4; 48:12; and on Jesus’ lips in Revelation 1:17 – 18; 22:13. Scripture presents the phrase as a literal statement of God’s identity, authority, and eternal existence. Unpacking “the First and the Last” – Eternal existence: God existed before creation and will outlast it (Psalm 90:2). – Absolute sovereignty: Because He precedes and follows all things, nothing escapes His rule (Colossians 1:16–17). – Unique deity: “There is no God but Me” (Isaiah 44:6). All other so-called gods are false. – Completer of history: He initiates the story of redemption and brings it to its consummation (Revelation 21:6). What It Reveals About God’s Character – Eternal Creator: The universe has a beginning; He does not (Isaiah 40:28). – Faithful Covenant-Keeper: The One who started Israel’s story will finish it (Isaiah 46:3-4). – Unchanging Lord: “I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6), so His promises remain firm. – Self-sufficient Source: He depends on nothing outside Himself (Acts 17:24-25). Implications for My Life Today – Rock-solid foundation: My faith rests on an eternal, unshakeable God. – Assurance amid change: History’s bookends are in His hands; present uncertainties cannot derail His plan (Romans 8:28). – Exclusive loyalty: No rival allegiance deserves my heart or worship (Exodus 20:3). – Hope for the future: The One who began the good work will complete it (Philippians 1:6). – Courage to persevere: The “Last” word belongs to Him, not to suffering, persecution, or death (2 Corinthians 4:17). Christ: The First and the Last in the New Testament – Revelation 1:17–18 shows Jesus claiming the title, equating Himself with Yahweh and affirming His deity. – His death and resurrection prove He spans both ends of human experience—life and death—yet reigns beyond them. – Union of Old and New: The God of Isaiah is the Christ of Revelation; therefore, trusting Jesus is trusting the LORD Himself (John 10:30). Living in the Light of the First and the Last – Trust His timing; He sees the whole panorama while I glimpse a moment. – Obey with confidence; the Author of history writes the outcome of every act of faith. – Worship with awe; eternity’s Lord invites me into relationship. – Share the gospel; people need the One who began and will finish their story. |
    |