Drop Anchor

“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

The cross is the crux of Christianity. It is at the cross that Jesus’ blood was shed for us and with it came the removal of our sins leading to eternal life. However, the cross was not the earliest Christian symbol. Early Christians were marked by the symbols of a fish, the isthmus, and an anchor.

Early Christian Catacomb Anchor

The anchor is seen marking the catacombs of ancient Christian burial sites. It is easy to imagine why the anchor would have been a symbol to which the early Christ follower put before them. Without an anchor, a ship is not secure.  It drifts and with it drifts the livelihood that it offers.

We have the promises of Christ. However, as time goes on, and difficult storms weather our lives, we can lose hope and even drift away. It is easy to lose hope, if we are not anchored to the hope and promises found only in Christ. We commit everything in faith. We run with endurance. The Christian walk is one step at a time. I would rather settle down and jog my marathon than sprint and lose endurance.

When we feel sluggish in our faith, we hang on to faith. What is faith? Faith believes in God, that He will do what He promised and that we will follow no matter what. Regardless of feelings, we drop anchor.

How do we securely anchor our lives rather than be tossed by the storms of life?

First, we drop anchor in the promises of God. Every promise we find in Scripture will come to pass. There is not a promise that He will break. Here in Hebrews 6 is the example of God’s promise to Abraham. God promised that he would give Abraham a son and through his Seed, meaning Jesus, all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Abraham was given this promise when it seemed unlikely. Abraham and Sarah were old. Eventually, about 25 years after he received the promise, Abraham and Sarah finally have a son. Through patience and faith, Abraham received this sure promise from the hand of God. Be anchored in God’s promises. 

Second, we cling to the immutability of God. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. The same God whose promise to Abraham came to fruition, is the same God who promises eternal life and peace for us today. God will never change. This gives us confidence. He will never break His promises.

Last, we drop anchor in the hope of Jesus.  We speak of hope often in English as an uncertainty. We say, “I hope I win the lottery.” Hope in the Bible speaks of surety and certainty. The hope of eternity is a sure thing; it will come to pass! And this hope ought to change the way we live today. The hope, behind the veil is Jesus. It is not just the promises. Our hope is in a Person who is coming back. We cling not to a thing, but a Person who has not forgotten us, who is thinking of us, and gave His Spirit as a promise. Jesus is the commander who learns of a soldier in captivity and says, “I’m coming back for you.”

If there is anything that will keep us from drifting off and losing hope, it is Jesus. Be anchored in the security of Jesus, the Person whose Promises never fail.

Blessings,
Robert Furrow