Coffee and Cold Water

When the word, "therefore" shows up on the pages of the Scripture, there are several appropriate things which might be considered.   Take a second sip of coffee.  Splash some cold water on your face.  Lightly slap your jaw to get alert.  Sit up straighter.  All or some of these are recommended as a way of responding to a word which surely means "Pay Attention."   The word "therefore" may seem like a simple word of transition, but it is really a word that means something important is coming.

 

The "therefore" found in the first verse of the third chapter of Hebrews is not the first occasion for its usage in this writing, but its importance lies in the fact that it calls us to remember who we are in the eyes of God.  As we read this verse we hear the Word of God saying, "Therefore, brothers and sisters, holy partners in a heavenly calling..."   The first chapter presents a right understanding of Jesus and the angels and the second chapter moves on toward developing the relationship between Jesus, the spiritual pioneer, and those of us created with the stamp of the holy upon us.  These beginning words of the third chapter put us and those like us in a blessed position.

 

The Scripture says we are "holy partners in a heavenly calling."   We are not simply partners with God, but holy, set apart, partners.  We are not about menial work, but about work that is initiated and continued by the Holy One of Heaven.  To be a holy partner speaks to us of a high level of trust on the part of the One who calls us.  We are not only called to share in the work of heaven on earth, but we are viewed by our Creator and Savior as trustworthy to accomplish it.  When we are tempted to think that we do not matter, or that what we do for God does not count for much, we only need to go back to this Word which unfolds before us after this all important "therefore" to see how we are valued by God.