The Anchor And The Forerunner
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Hebrews 6:19-20-This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Recently, I have been thinking about some of the great promises made by God throughout the Book of Hebrews to Christians. One of these is found in this text (Hebrews 6:19-20). The writer talks about the “hope” that we have as people who have been saved by the blood of Jesus. This hope gives us assurance of a new Home with God, a hope that is laid up for us in Heaven (Colossians 1:5) as we wait for the time of the restoration of all things (Acts 3:19-21) and the new Heaven and new Earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). This hope of Heaven is like an anchor. Jesus has gone behind the veil, waiting for us as the Forerunner of His people.
There is a beautiful picture here in the original language of the New Testament.
“The author of Hebrews picks up on the same imagery and says that we can flee to Christ to lay hold of the hope set before us. He adds, “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: 19–20). That means that we do not cast our anchor on anything within ourselves. We seek our security neither in feelings nor experiences. Our anchor is fastened to Christ, who is within the Holy of Holies where He resides now that His blood bought our salvation. Philip Mauro suggests that the picture here is that of the forerunner used in ancient times to help a vessel enter the harbor safely. He would jump from the ship, wade to the harbor, and fasten the strong rope of the ship to a rock along the shore. Then, by means of a winch, the vessel was brought in. Just so, our forerunner has gone to heaven, where He stands ready to guide us safely into the Holy of Holies. We are fastened to a rock that cannot be moved. Let the storms tear our sails to shreds; let the floors creak; let the gusts of wind attempt to blow us off course; let the tides overwhelm us; we shall arrive safely into the port. Each day we are pulled a notch closer to the harbor by the One who proved He is more powerful than death.” (Erwin W. Lutzer, One Minute After You Die, 52-53 (Kindle Edition): Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers)
What a beautiful hope that we have in Christ. May this anchor hold us steady as we sail the storms and tempests of life.
Lord Jesus, thank You for going before us. Not only do You protect us in this life, but You secure us with the anchor of Your grace. Help us not to run aground, but to follow You wherever You lead us. We know that You will lead us home when the time is right. Amen.