“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8
When Jesus declares, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” it can feel profound and grand, yet puzzling. What does this poetic statement truly mean? To better understand, let’s explore how this concept aligns with the metaphor of life as a marathon—a journey of perseverance and purpose.
Becoming Like Christ: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
You’ve probably heard the saying: “Becoming like Christ is a marathon, not a sprint.” If you’ve ever participated in a marathon, half-marathon, 5K, or even a fun run, you know the buzz of energy surrounding such an event. Interestingly, most races start and end in the same location. Could this shed light on Jesus being both the “beginning” and the “end”?
The Bible reinforces this idea. In Colossians 1:16, we read:
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things have been created through him and for him.”
Similarly, John 1:1-3 says:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… All things were made through him, and without him, nothing was made that has been made.”
These verses remind us that Christ isn’t just part of creation; He is the source and the purpose of it. Everything we know, feel, and experience exists because of Him. This truth aligns with Jesus as the Alpha (beginning) and the Omega (end), encompassing all creation.
Christ as Love: The Energy That Sustains Us
“God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
1 John 4:16
Understanding Christ as both human and divine can feel overwhelming. How can He be the beginning and the end, yet live among us? The key lies in recognizing Christ as the embodiment of love. If God is love, and Christ is God, then Christ’s presence as love is in everything and sustains everything.
Think of a marathon. Energy is essential—not just physical stamina but emotional and mental determination. Similarly, love is the energy that powers us through life’s marathon. It’s what helps us overcome “walls”—those moments of exhaustion or hardship when continuing feels impossible.
And let’s face it, we don’t hit a wall just once in life. There will be countless challenges testing our ability to love and persevere. Yet, love—God’s love—continues to fuel us when we feel empty.
No One Runs Alone
Marathons aren’t solo endeavors. While it might feel like the race is all about the runner, it’s not. Behind every participant are countless supporters: the cheering crowds, volunteers handing out water, organizers managing logistics, and even city officials closing roads. Without them, the event wouldn’t happen.
Life mirrors this interconnectedness. Even those who aren’t “running the race” directly influence it. For example, the frustrated commuter stuck in traffic due to road closures might unwittingly become curious about the runners’ determination. Seeds of thought are planted.
Quantum physics even suggests that no interaction leaves us unchanged. Whether we run the race or observe from the sidelines, we’re all impacted by the marathon of life.
The Finish Line: A Celebration of Endurance
For most of us, the goal of a marathon isn’t speed—it’s completing the race. Crossing the finish line is a profound moment. You end where you started, but you’re forever changed by the journey. The preparation, sacrifices, and sheer determination it took to complete the race leave an indelible mark on you.
In Philippians 2:10-11, we read:
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
When we understand God as love—love that entered humanity through Jesus and conquered death—we see a love that outlasts hate, resistance, and even death itself. Just as no one can erase your accomplishment of finishing a marathon, no one’s rejection of God can outlast His relentless, eternal love.
It’s About the Journey
The marathon of life reminds us that the starting point and finish line are the same. What matters is what happens in between. As we train, face obstacles, and rely on love to fuel us, we grow in ways we never imagined.
And when we cross life’s finish line, returning to the One who began it all, it’s not just about reaching the end. It’s about celebrating a journey well-run—a journey sustained by God’s unending love.
Let this encourage you: whether you’re facing a wall or running with joy, Christ, the Alpha and Omega, is with you every step of the way.