Tuesday 22 April 2025
I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades. (vs 17-18)
Background
'Alpha' and 'Omega', the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet, are frequently used to describe God. It describes the beginning and end. It is natural to think of this in a linear way, like the front and end of a queue of people. However, a better way is to see a unity, a completeness, the whole of something – a circle rather than a line.
In the Old Testament Isaiah 44:6 speaks of the uniqueness of God. This chapter of Revelation refers to Jesus as the first of a new creation: he was dead but is alive. The use of first and last signifies both the completeness but also the authority that is now his.
This theme of completeness in salvation appears in some of our hymns, such as in verse 4 of 'O come, O come, Immanuel': "O come, O Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home; make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery." (Singing the Faith 180)
This is a traditional advent hymn that looks with hope to the birth of Jesus.The story is completed in the death and resurrection of Christ, which we we celebrate this week.
The position given to Jesus is through his death and resurrection is illustrated in Revelation by the use of the image of a key. Keys can symbolise authority and power.
A reference to a key is found in Isaiah 22:22. Eliakim is given the key of David. It is his authority to open and shut the gate with the authority, to admit or exclude. It is here and further referenced in Revelation 3:7 using the same words as Isaiah.
The mystery of the incarnation is completed in the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. He alone has the power and authority over those who can or cannot be granted eternal life. He is the key.
The vision of John, the author of Revelation, is a blessing to help us understand both the authority and power of the risen Christ especially in times of persecution and struggle.
To Ponder:
- Are the images of this passage helpful or confusing to you?
- What understandings of ‘key’ help you?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, open the way for me to follow you this day. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Paul Davis
Paul Davis is a supernumerary minister in the Chorley and Leyland Circuit.