Hebrews 6:19-20 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Storms in life will come and go. Weather in the deep south is predictably unpredictable. The kick off of summer also brings the kick off of hurricane season. When there is a tropical storm in the gulf, we begin to make preparations. We spend a little time picking up and preparing for the winds and the rains. We clear the back deck, put away the umbrellas, turned tables upside down, stored chairs away, all in preparation for possible strong winds. All small crafts on the coast of Louisiana and Mississippi will be ordered in. Even the strongest anchor wouldn’t be able to withstand hurricane force winds and waves. Oh but we have an even stronger anchor: an anchor of hope in Christ!
I’ve read this scripture from Hebrews 6 before. I’ve even quoted it, but I didn’t really understand all of it. I understand the part about Christ being the hope that is an anchor for the soul. It is truly my hope in Christ that anchors me firmly in my faith. But what about the rest of the verse? “It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” During biblical times, the Hebrews gathered around and within the tabernacle to worship. There were curtains or large veils within the tabernacle. Behind the innermost curtain was the holiest room on earth. This is the place that held the sacred ark of the covenant and the brilliant light of God, the shekinah, shone down. This was the God room. Once a year, the high priest would enter the God room with a pan of blood and pour it over the mercy seat. God witnessed the priest offering the sacrifice in the correct manner. This pleased God, and He graciously forgave the Hebrew people of their sins.
We don’t have to continue in this ritual any longer though because God sent a Savior. Jesus walked through life, took on life’s sufferings, and has gone before us. And now He pulls us towards Him. He invites His followers inside the curtain where we find hope in Him, relief from worries, doubts, and fears. Christ is a constant priest, not a once a year high priest. He is sitting on the throne next to God in the God room. He represents our needs to Him. There is nothing that we endure that is too great for Him to handle. Don’t forget where your hope is fastened. Jesus is the anchor. Rest in peace in Christ! If you aren’t feeling that hope in Christ, check your ties. The anchor has to be tied to the boat to work!
Inspirations from the Funny Farm 