“Once upon a time” is the wonderful beginning to just about every classic fairy tale. For generations those words have captivated the hearts and imaginations of countless readers.
The first line of any great book can be some of the most memorable and significant words the author will ever write. It’s these first few words that can set the tone for the entire story. It captivates the reader and makes the story come to life. Every great story starts with an unforgettable beginning.
That’s exactly why God, the great author of the Bible, chose to pen his very first words with care, significance and with unforgettable power.
“In the beginning God…” from Genesis 1:1 is the greatest opening line of any book in the history of the world, but it’s no fairytale. It introduces the reader to the most significant character of all time: God.
Forget about saving the best for last. God starts his book of good news with the prime character of importance, himself. As if to say to us, “If you get anything out of this book as you read it, I want it to start and end with me. I want you to get me out of this.”
When you think about it, isn’t God really the greatest beginning to everything? Every one of our lives is a story. The question is what are the first four words to your story? Is it God? Is he the beginning and the end of your life? If not, you’re missing the best character in your book. You’re missing the hero.
The wonderful thing about a hero is that they stay consistent throughout the story, never wavering in their character or their mission for good until they are finally standing at the end as the great conqueror who has vanquished the dragon. Jesus is that hero.
Just as God began the history of the world with himself, he ends it with his son Jesus as the supreme victor. As Jesus said, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city,” in Revelation 22:12-14.
No matter what chapter your book is in, it’s never too late to bring in the most important character. It’s never too late for a new beginning. Give your story to God, and let him start a new chapter with “In the beginning God,” so you can end it with “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” from Revelation 22:20.
Zachary Elliott is the lead pastor of Fusion Christian Church in Temecula. For more information, visit https://www.fusionchristianchurch.com, https://fourminutefaithbuilder.com or find them on Instagram.
