Therefore

Now therefore, if you obey my voice . . . 

 - From Exodus 19

God acts in history. He leaves His Word with us, through the prophets, through His Son, and in Scripture. He leaves an imprint on our hearts . . . a nudging from Holy Spirit. It's hard to explain what the voice of God is really like. But when you hear Him, you know it.

And if you try to explain to an unbeliever, you'll come across as crazy. But if God does communicate with us, it's good to take note of it. And if there were a God, why wouldn't He reveal Himself to us? I'm glad it's not obvious . . . that would take away the mystery!

But once He acts, and speaks, there comes a point where He says: "Therefore . . . " This means the premises have been established, and what follows is a natural response, or outcome, to those premises. If x, y, and z . . . . therefore ABC.

If God has done all of these things, and said so much, therefore, we should . . .

We do this all the time, as teachers. We create a framework for students. We add layers upon layers, of content and concepts, when the students are ready for it. Why wouldn't God act the same way? And like elementary-aged students . . . we do not listen to our Teacher. We push back. We resist.

What has God done for you so far this year?

Therefore . . . .how should you respond?