The Hook

 

Probably the most dreadful course I had to take in college was a mandatory writing and speaking class called Communications. I dreaded it because writing and public speaking have always been my least comfortable skills. I kept thinking, I'm studying medicine, why do I need this course?

The one thing I remember most from that class, however, is a concept called “the hook.” 

A hook is usually the opening lines of a speech or piece of writing that grabs the audience's attention. It grabs the reader’s or listener’s attention by introducing something unexpected or surprising, making them focus on you. This brief moment is the author’s opportunity to make a memorable impression and help the audience remember the message they want to share.

It felt like the entire semester was devoted to mastering the art of writing and speaking compelling “hooks”.

It took years for me to realize, to my surprise, that God—an expert communicator—often communicates with us in a similar way. He captures our attention with a similar, unexpected “hook”.

The Old Testament story of Moses draws a simple illustration of how this occurs.

Moses was wandering the desert, tending to his flocks, as he had done countless times in the past. Everything was familiar as before. But suddenly, something extraordinary captures his attention, a burning bush. As he pauses to approach the scene and investigate, God begins to speak to him, imparting a message that would change the course of his life forever. (Ex. 3)

When I devote myself to prayer and quiet reading of the Word, I often find that, if I am patient, a particular passage or verse will always unexpectedly grab my attention. It may be something I’ve read countless times before, yet in that moment, it feels new—something about it stands out. It causes me to pause and reflect, studying the words, their meanings, and different translations.   As I do this, a message begins to unfold. One that I will probably remember for a long time.