Fewer words in the Bible capture my attention more than the word, therefore; as soon as I either read it or hear it, I know I am being challenged to build a bridge of understanding. Without getting too technical, the word, therefore, according to Merriam Webster Dictionary is a conjunctive adverb, meaning, “for that reason,” or “consequently.” Like a finger poking into my chest, I consciously think to myself, pay attention!
God’s word is powerful. Unlike human authors and writers, God does not waste a single word with frivolous space fillers, as though He is trying to reach His word count goal for the day. God is thoughtful and deliberate; every word He dictated to the human hand that appears on the pages of the Bible is “God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
One of my favorite Bible verses using the word, “therefore” follows:
“Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witness, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” (Hebrews 12:1, NKJV, emphasis mine).
The writers of the Bible did not use chapter and verse when documenting the word of God. So, imagine the apostle Paul has just finished writing (chapter 11) to his readers, reminding them of the remnant of people throughout history who laid the foundation of faith by trusting in God; however, not even one of them lived to see their faith come to fruition through the coming of the Messiah. In essence, Paul is saying, so if these faithful few died believing, though not seeing, you who live and having seen should feel empowered by living in the shadow of such good company.
The next time you see the word “therefore” in the Bible, take the time to review the precept that precedes it; therefore, you will have a complete and perhaps deeper understanding of God’s message.
