You are the first and the last
Beginning and the end
The promise of wonders to come
The future is in your hands
Caught in the light
With all the earth we will sing
You are the author of love
Our freedom is in your name
Embracing the cross meant for us
And bought us to life again
Caught in the love
With all we are let us sing
God our hope
And our salvation
Worthy of all the praise
Be our light everlasting
Great is your name
Jesus the first and the last
Show us the way of your love
Lead us toward the truth
Stir up the fire in us
To live out this life for you
Caught in your name
Jesus forever we'll sing
Every heart
Every nation will hear the sound
As your light breaks through the darkness
And your name rings out
Every distant horizon will meet as one
Singing holy is your name
We sing holy is your name
The First and The Last
The First and The Last Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on December 26, 2018, Hillsong Worship's song "The First and The Last" delves into the profound biblical truth of God's eternal nature and ultimate authority, offering a musical meditation on who He is from before time began through eternity future. At its heart, the song unpacks the significance of the title "The First and The Last," a descriptor found throughout Scripture, most notably in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:8, 1:17, 2:8, 21:6, 22:13) and the prophecies of Isaiah (Isaiah 41:4, 44:6, 48:12). This title speaks volumes about God's unique position as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of all things. The song explores His role as the source of all creation, the sustainer of existence, and the one towards whom all history ultimately moves. It's a declaration of faith in a God who is outside of time, sovereign over every moment, and unchanging amidst the temporal nature of the world we inhabit.
The song's message builds upon the foundation that God was present and active before anything existed, as described in John 1:1-3, where "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." It then carries this truth forward, acknowledging that He remains the ultimate reality and conclusion. The title "The First and The Last" assures us that God has the final word in every situation and that His plans and purposes will ultimately prevail. This echoes Romans 11:36, which states, "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." The song serves as an anchor, reminding us that in a world filled with uncertainty and change, we can find stability in the unchanging character and eternal reign of God, just as Hebrews 13:8 declares, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
From a musical perspective, "The First and The Last" generally employs a structure and atmosphere common in modern worship music designed to facilitate corporate adoration and personal reflection. The arrangement often begins with a sense of reverence, building in intensity to reflect the awe-inspiring nature of the God being sung about. The instrumentation typically supports this journey, creating a spacious yet powerful soundscape that allows space for contemplation while also providing momentum for declarations of faith. The song's progression feels purposeful, guiding those engaging with it towards a deeper understanding and worshipful response to the immense truth of God's eternal presence and power. It aims to lift eyes from present circumstances to the One who stands above time, the one described in Colossians 1:17, "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Ultimately, "The First and The Last" functions as a powerful worship anthem, encouraging people to place their trust and hope in the God who was and is and is to come. It challenges us to see our lives and the scope of history within the context of His eternal plan. By focusing on this fundamental attribute of God, the song strengthens faith, inspires courage, and calls worshippers to surrender to the One who holds all things in His hands, from the initial spark of creation to the final culmination of all things. It's a declaration that no matter what happens, God is the beginning and the end, the constant in a chaotic world, and the ultimate victory belongs to Him.
