The first words of a book will tell you so much about what lies ahead.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. - Tale of Two Cities
All children, except one, grow up. - Peter Pan
Where's Papa going with the ax?, said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast. - Charlotte's Web
Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm... - Gone With The Wind.
We can see how the opening line sets the stage, introduces the theme, or defines the nature of the main character. One line can tell us so much about the adventure we are about to take.
The very first words of the Bible are no different:
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. -Genesis 1:1
In one sentence, it introduces you and me to three mind-blowing aspects of God's nature:
GOD IS OMNIPRESENT. He is everywhere in all time and space at the same moment. Genesis 1:1 reveals that he existed even before He created time and space, and therefore is not bound by them.
GOD IS OMNISCIENT. He is all-knowing. To bring the infinite universe into existence requires nothing short of total knowledge. From the smallest molecule to the most distant galaxy, from a visible oak tree to invisible gravity, his the world we see is a just a minuscule reflection of His infinite and perfect knowledge.
GOD IS OMNIPOTENT. He is all powerful. It's one thing to have the knowledge to create the universe... but to literally form it from nothing, demands a creator who possesses total power and authority.
All of this from only 10 words.
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