Opening Lines

“C

all me Ishmael…” The opening line of Melville’s Moby Dick was indelibly etched into my mind by Miss Lois Hoyle who taught Junior English at our high school.  Throughout the semester we learned about symbolism, irony, foreshadowing, and a whole host of other literary devices that, at the time seemed useless, but later on became such an important part of my college education. 

First lines are important! First words are important because they set the tone for the message that is to follow.  And this is exactly the situation in which the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem find themselves. When we last left the shepherds, their tranquil evening had been interrupted by a blinding light and the presence of one of God’s angels. Now we find them frightened, not willing or able to move as they wait for the angel to speak to them.  What will he say? What will the message be?  No doubt, they are braced for the worst but what follows is anything but a threatening message.

In Luke 2:10, the angel’s opening line is: “Do not be afraid…”  I can imagine the shock and the astonishment on the faces of the shepherds as they looked to each other to make sure they had all heard the same words.  Notice the statement is not a request but a direct command.  Whatever the remaining portion of the message, God wanted them to be open and unafraid to receive it.

Let’s consider the shepherds’ world for a few seconds and understand the importance of this opening line against that backdrop.  Palestine was a conquered country.  The Roman army was everywhere as soldiers patrolled the thoroughfares, occupied every city and village, and kept the people under constant surveillance.  In addition to this, shepherds, as we have already mentioned, were the lowest rung on the ladder, having no social standing or influence.

Yet God chooses to share the opening line about the birth of Christ with them and that opening line is one of comfort and peace.  As the shepherds stare and listen in certain disbelief, the angel continues the message: “...I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”  

From the fall of man in the Garden of Eden all the way down to those shepherds, the history of man has been one of enmity with God.  Yet, God’s message is one of hope, carrying good news to all who will hear it.

This is the way God works.  When it is dark, when we are alone, when we are at our lowest and we believe there is no hope, he speaks, not words of condemnation, but words of hope and good news.  And so we leave the shepherds in mid-message waiting to hear the good news the angel has promised.  Are you willing to receive God’s good news today?