What does "I am the first and I am the last" reveal about God? Setting the Scene: Isaiah 44:6 “Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and its Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me.’” What the Phrase Literally Says • “I am the first” – God precedes everything. • “I am the last” – God outlives everything. • “There is no God but Me” – exclusive, unrivaled deity. God’s Eternal Existence • Before creation began, He already was (Genesis 1:1). • Long after the present heavens and earth pass away, He remains (Psalm 102:25-27). • Time itself is a created dimension; God stands outside it (2 Peter 3:8). Absolute Sovereignty • First means “origin”; last means “goal.” Everything in-between unfolds under His rule (Isaiah 46:9-10). • Nothing precedes His will or can overturn His final word (Job 42:2). Exclusive Deity • “There is no God but Me” dismantles idolatry and relativism (Deuteronomy 32:39). • The statement closes the door on rivals—spiritual, philosophical, or human. Creator and Consummator • He speaks the universe into being (Psalm 33:6). • He will also wrap up history, bringing new heavens and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). • Beginning and ending authority belong to the same hands, assuring a coherent, purposeful storyline. Unbroken Covenant Faithfulness • Israel’s “King” and “Redeemer” ties His timeless nature to relational promises (Exodus 6:7). • Because He spans the entire timeline, nothing can interrupt His loyalty (Lamentations 3:22-23). Echoed by the Messiah • Jesus claims the identical title: “I am the First and the Last” (Revelation 1:17; 2:8; 22:13). • The Son shares the Father’s eternal identity, confirming His full deity (John 1:1-3). Practical Takeaways • Security: An eternal God guarantees our future (John 10:28-29). • Perspective: Current chaos fits within His overarching plan (Romans 8:28). • Worship: Only the One who spans eternity is worthy of total allegiance (Revelation 4:11). |
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