This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 6:19-20 NKJV
Pelting sand, angry waves, horizontal rain, and tornado watches were not what we had in mind for our beach vacation. Thankfully, we avoided the flooding and dodged the tornadoes. We salvaged two sunny days before going home.
Storms in life often drag on for what seems like eternity. Sometimes leaving the landscape of our lives vastly different.
We are not without hope during turbulent times. We have an anchor. An anchor of hope. Jesus Christ.
We might not perceive the anchor as a symbol of hope like the ancient world. The writer of Hebrews obviously was familiar with this symbolism.
When is an anchor used? Not on the days when we can kick back and relax soaking in the sun’s rays. The anchor is lowered when the waves get choppy, the breeze picks up, and the sun fades from sight.
Once the anchor rests on the ocean floor, it is out of sight. Invisible. We cannot watch the anchor work, but we see the effects of its work. Friend, that is how Jesus works, behind the scenes. Unseen.
Notice that an anchor doesn’t remove us from the storm. Our ship still endures the tempest. The winds and waves are still intense.
The anchor doesn’t stop the storm. But stabilizes the ship.
We sense the anchor is at work when our ship stays steady. We aren’t tossed around violently crashing into other ships. We endure the storm, but we escape shipwreck. On its own, this promise offers us encouragement, but God doesn’t stop there. He gives us evidence.
We trust Jesus Christ, our anchor because of who He is. He is our anchor, but He also is the forerunner and our High Priest (v. 20). To further understand this, let’s peek at the Old Testament and the covenant.
Each year, the high priest went into the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people. This was the Day of Atonement, but it had to be repeated annually to redeem the people from their sins. The people couldn’t enter that holy place, only the high priest.
Christ changed everything with the New Covenant, when Jesus became our sacrifice, once and for all (Heb. 7:27). After His death, resurrection, and ascension, He stepped into the heavenly Holy of Holies where He advocates on our behalf as our High Priest.
The promise of a steadfast anchor becomes even more precious because our anchor is Jesus. The one who died for us and now intercedes as our High Priest.
Rest in the assurance that our anchor never lets us go.
Sweet Jesus, it is reassuring and comfort to know that You are our anchor. Thank You for never letting us drift into dangers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Hebrews 6:13-20.
HIKING THE TRAIL
How have you seen Jesus work as your anchor in recent storms? How does this encourage you for future storms? Meditate on Jesus as our anchor and High Priest. What comfort do you find in that today?
Copyright 2019 Carolyn Dale Newell.
Originally posted on August 13, 2020 @ 8:00 pm