What’s In A Word: Therefore

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)—

‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.’

Once upon a time, I was a Year 6 teacher. A key aspect of teaching English in a primary school is to show children how selecting the right words adds interest and power to their writing, and how words might have an impact on the reader. Therefore, which is today’s word, is one of those power words.

Technically speaking, (and who really needs to know this!) it is called a 'conjunctive adverb.' But the writer of Hebrews selected this word not because it is a conjunctive adverb, but because it adds power, depth and authority to his/her writing. It emphasises that the truths contained in the Bible are outworked in the way we see ourselves, and indeed how we live our lives - and the word therefore is used throughout Hebrews in this way.

 Therefore.

There are many times that I have read a Bible truth and stopped at that point. Enjoyed reading and knowing the truth, but not taking that next step – the ‘therefore’ connection to how I live my life. The writer of Hebrews urges us to take the truths contained in the word and apply them to our lives. Therefore. In this passage, I am reminded that there is a great cloud of witnesses cheering me on and that Jesus is both the author and perfector of my faith. The ‘therefore’ in this passage serves to remind, encourage and urge me to live a life worthy of this calling, running my race secure in the confidence that Jesus has gone before me.

As we read these words and come across the powerful word ‘therefore’ throughout the Bible, let’s stop and take in the truth that precedes it and consider how that truth might impact the way we live and walk out our faith, day by day.

Prayer - Lord, thank you for your Word. Thank you that every truth is there to directly impact my life. Help me to stop and pause today to consider the power in ‘therefore’ – especially how the work of the Cross has enabled me to run a race free from sin and shame.