Read Revelation 1:16-17  

The First and the Last

In his wonderful book, “If you want to walk on water then you have to get out of the boat!”, John Ortberg highlights an important point often missed in the account of Jesus walking on the water.

You know the story.

The disciples are making their way away across the Sea of Galilee, their boat battered by a storm when somewhere between 3am – 6am they see a figure walking on the water toward them. Crying out in fear, believing it to be a ghost they suddenly hear Jesus’ voice saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Ortberg points out that “It is I” is literally “I AM” – the Name of God!

Ortberg goes on to say that when we are caught in the storms of life, rather than being overcome by them, we need to see where I AM – Jesus – is coming to us.

This was John’s experience in exile on Patmos. As he turns to see who has been speaking to him in his vision, he is met by the Risen Lord Jesus Who declares, “Do not be afraid; I AM the First and the Last!”

Twice in the book of Isaiah God is described as the First and the Last, an expression that acknowledged Him as the only true God, there is no other (Isaiah 44:6 and 48:12). It reminded them that the only true God was present with them in their time of trouble.

John had not been forgotten because Jesus, the First and the Last was coming to him to strengthen him.

And he has not forgotten you either! As you battle the storms of life, I AM is with you, to strengthen and comfort you.

“Don’t be afraid” says Jesus, “I AM is coming to you!”