Reflections (Therefore - However)

The word "therefore" is used 442 times in the NIV translation of the Bible.  I did not go through and count them.  I used google.  The word "however" is used 124 times in the NIV translation of the Bible.  Same as above.
I am struck by what these connecting words offer in the story of scripture and the application to our lives.
I often state that when you see a "therefore" in the Bible, it reminds you to look back and see what just came and look ahead to what is coming.  Perhaps my favorite "therefore" in scripture is found in Romans 8:1.
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  That is Good News!
Chapter 7 finds Paul discussing what a mess we are, but he concludes the "messy" word with "thanks be to God!"  Then comes chapter 8.  Therefore.  Now no condemnation - even  for us who are messy and living in a messy time.  No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.  That is good enough advice to anyone to accept Christ and be "in" him and also to share this Good News with others.
Therefore.
No condemnation.
Those in relationship with Jesus Christ.  Thanks be to God.
The "however" connector may be used in a different manner.  I read a shipwreck story in Acts 27.  It looks like the ship is going down.  It looks like loss will be great.  It looks like there is no hope left.  That is when Paul gets up and addresses the crew.  He bears witness to the God he knows, loves, and serves.  He speaks words of hopeful encouragement.  He displays confidence in God.  He encourages everyone to "keep up your courage."  There is a certainty being communicated that this will end up well.
Then I note verse 26.  "However, we must run aground on a certain island."
Before the story may reach its promised conclusion there is a "however". 
However may remind us of reality.  However may keep us from running too far ahead.  However may guard against unfounded optimism, or I should say merely wishful thinking.  (That is not really optimism).
In the story in Acts, they did run aground.  But that did not end the story.  It merely highlighted the reality they were living and paved the way for an even more glorious result.  The next chapter (Acts 28) begins by saying, "When they had been brought safely through..."
Let me offer this as a word for us during the reality in which we are living.  Coronavirus.  This pandemic illustrates the "mess" we are and in which we live.  The world is messy.  No arguments here.
But we are people of faith.  Therefore.  Our messiness may be seen in the context of the glory of God in Jesus Christ. (Read Romans 28)
We are in a mess.  But read the story in Acts 27. 
We are people of and with promise.  God comes.  God speaks.  God directs.  God encourages.
However.  Reality is not to be denied or discarded.  So, be wise.  Stay home if you may.  Limit your outings.  Wear a mask when you might be around vulnerable people.  Take precautions.  Be wise and smart about engaging in the present reality.
We have run aground.
But do not lose sight of the end of chapter 27.  "And it so happened that they all were brought safely to land."
"When they had been brought safely through..."
God is bringing us through.
There is a new reality coming.
Therefore....how will you live and believe today?
This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve