His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the Lord’s saying: “I am the First and the Last, the Alpha and the Omega”, explaining its spiritual and practical meaning in the believer’s life — that God must be first in everything, not only in time but also in importance and priority.

God the First and the Last

He explains that only God can say “I am the First and the Last,” for He is the eternal Creator who has neither beginning nor end. He is the source of all existence, and there is no god before or after Him. Yet the reflection here is not only theological but also a call to make God the first in our daily lives.

God in Priorities

We must place God first in everything — just as the Lord’s Prayer begins with petitions concerning God, and the Ten Commandments begin with those about God before man. Likewise, Christ said: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.”

God in Love and Obedience

True love for God means loving Him with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength — before any person or thing. Whoever loves another more than God is not worthy of Him. Therefore, God must be first in love, obedience, and behavior, without flattering anyone at the expense of His commandments.

Biblical Examples

Pope Shenouda cites examples:

• Abraham, who left his homeland and offered Isaac to God.

• Moses, who preferred the reproach of Christ to Pharaoh’s riches.

• Hannah, who gave her son Samuel to serve in the temple.

• The Virgin Mary, who said: “Let it be to me according to Your word.”
  All placed God first.

The Meaning of the First Fruits

He emphasizes the command of “the first fruits” — giving God the first of our possessions: time, money, and effort. This means giving God priority in all our resources, in prayer, giving, and daily choices.

God at the Beginning and the End

We are called to begin every action with prayer and end it with thanksgiving, making God both first and last. The doctor, the housewife, the servant, and the worker — all are invited to start with God’s blessing as the true leader of every success.

The Error of Self-First

He warns against putting the self at the center instead of God — for that is the root of sin. Those who seek their own glory, desires, or honor before God fail, like Lot, the rich fool, and the rich young ruler. But those who deny themselves and follow God receive eternal life.

God the All in All

Finally, he reaches the highest spiritual level — that God should not only be first, but the only One, the all in all, as David said: “Your face, Lord, will I seek.” Whoever makes God first on earth will find Him first and last in eternity.

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