Great opening lines.

The Charles Shultz beloved beagle character, Snoopy, was an inspiring writer.  There are several strips where Snoopy, typewriter perched on his doghouse, starts to write the Great American Novel.  It always begins the same way, “It was a dark and stormy night . . .”  Amongst literary critics, this is viewed as a stereotypical example of a bad opening line.  It has been called the “literary poster child for bad story starters” (Writer’s Digest, 2013).
 
In contrast, here are what many consider to be some of the best opening lines in English literature.  “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” (A Tale of Two Cities).  “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen” (1984).  Here is one of my favourites: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife” (Pride and Prejudice).
 
Given these literary precedents, what do you think of this opening line penned by Zechariah: “In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, saying, "The LORD was very angry with your fathers.””
 
Under the prompting of the Holy Spirit, his words convey both a sense of urgency (“You better listen to me NOW”) and of imminent danger (“The LORD was very angry”).  Immediately we want to know WHY God was angry and what He was going to do about it.
 
The specifics of what follows in the rest of his book can be difficult to decipher.  However, there can be no misunderstanding the overall tone.  The people of God are in trouble.  They have been disloyal to their Creator, worshipping idols and embracing “prophets” who teach and preach what the people wanted to hear rather than the truths that defined their covenantal relationship with Yahweh.   
 
For modern readers there can be a tendency to focus on the “wrath of God.” After all, isn’t this part of the opening lines of the book?  Can we not assume it is one of God’s character qualities?
 
Here’s some good news:  No, it isn’t.  Keep reading.
 
Amid the warnings of doom and gloom, Zechariah gives a glimmer of hope in chapter eight.  The language is a tad unusual but serves to emphasize the point.  While Zechariah doing the writing, it is God who speaks: “I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath.”  At first glance, this doesn’t seem to be comforting.  It is strong language intended to communicate an important truth:  “I love you (ancient Israel) so deeply that my heart is completely broken by your abandonment of our covenant relationship.  I am angry at the injustices you continue to pursue.”  This style of language emphasizes the extremes both of their sinfulness and of the corresponding love of God.  God is angry at their sin because He loves them so thoroughly.
 
God continues speaking, “and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness” (Zech. 8:8).  Although these ancient peoples were consistently unfaithful toward God, His overwhelming love for them meant there would one day be a restoration of the relationship. 
 
This is not the opening line of John’s book, but it may be one of the greatest in all of literature:  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  John also wrote, “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).  The psalmist put it this way:  “Your love, O God, reaches to the heavens;  Your faithfulness stretches to the skies” (Psa. 36:5).
 
It is Monday, the start of a new week.  If we think of the week as a book, what opening line would we use?  “A dark and stormy night?”  I hope not.  Even for the ancient people living in the “worst of times,” there was a reminder of the love and faithfulness of God. 
 
Pause for a moment and write a “first line” for the week.  Feel free to borrow from some of the authors of Scripture (if you are going to borrow, borrow from the best!).
 
Here are a few suggestions to prime the pump:
 
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lam. 3:1 ESV)
 
“Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the LORD has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.” (Isa. 49:1 ESV)
 
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Psa. 103:1-5 ESV)