|
"We who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf" (Hebrews 6:18b-20a).
It was a sunny day on a Caribbean beach. The water was clear and sparkling blue. It seemed like a good idea to reserve spaces for the next day on a glass-bottomed boat. This would be a treat for the whole family to spend time together and to view the coral reefs and the tropical fish.
The next day, however, the water was choppy and not so clear. Waves were breaking offshore onto the coral reef. Some billowing clouds were nearby. The trip was already paid for, and so we all got onto the boat, only to have the engine break down. Worse yet, the boat somehow was not equipped with an anchor. We began to drift out towards the breaking waves. We got swamped. Grandchildren were crying. Grown children looked terrified. The boat’s owner didn’t speak English, but his face indicated that we were in trouble.
Life can be like that. One day everything seems sunny and pleasant. The next day can be completely different. The proverbial "dark clouds rolled in." Yes, life even becomes unstable and rocky. Troubles come in waves that don’t seem to quit. We feel swamped.
Good news! Scripture says that despite all of this, we are not without an anchor! The writer of the Book of Hebrews compares this anchor to hope that is "set before us.” That means it is not hidden from view or buried away. Rather, it is always kept visible and readily accessible. Furthermore, scripture tells us not only who provides this hope, but who is Himself the hope and the anchor. It is none other than Jesus. As Martin Luther penned: You ask who this may be? The Lord of hosts is He, Christ Jesus, mighty Lord, God’s only Son, adored. He holds the field victorious. Not only does He hold the field, but Jesus also has ahold of the boat on the sea.
Indeed, Jesus knows something about the storms at sea, as well as the storms of life. He experienced both. His love for His followers took Him from the cushion on the boat all the way to the cross. Scripture tells us that by His death, the curtain of the temple was torn open. Now we have access to "… a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf" (Hebrews 6:19b-20a).
This is an anchor that holds in any situation! Whatever storms life may bring, Jesus takes us into the inner place of the Holy of Holies. It is a place of His grace and all of God’s promises of mercy. Here we receive both our life and salvation.
So, how did my family’s story turn out that day when swamped by the waves and in danger of capsizing on the coral reef? The captain of the boat used his cell phone and called for help. His friend was in a boat nearby and came to our rescue. He threw us a lifeline, which we readily grabbed ahold of. We were pulled out of danger and back to the shore.
It seems that there’s some spiritual significance in this closing part of the story too. I’m reminded of God’s wonderful invitation: "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me" (Psalm 50:15).
| 
