An Anchor
Scripture Reading — Hebrews 6:13-20
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19
If we’re at the seashore or walking by a lake in summer, it’s common to see a boat bobbing in the water, anchored down while its occupants are fishing or just lounging in the sunshine. All is safe and secure as the anchor holds the boat from drifting in the winds and waves.
In our verse from Hebrews today, the anchor is a symbol of hope. It is sad to encounter people who have lost all hope. They may be reeling from broken relationships or economic or medical crises. But in the midst of any trouble, we can offer good news: in Jesus Christ there is hope.
What is hope? Is it a simply an emotion or feeling that we may or may not have? What role do circumstances play in being hopeful? Our reading for today tells us that hope is much more than a feeling. It’s a reality secured by Jesus in the saving work he did for us.
An anchor does nothing for a boat unless it is tied with a rope. The same applies to us. We need to be firmly attached to the anchor of hope with a rope called “faith.”
Jesus came into our sin-ravaged world, defeated the power of evil, and entered the sanctuary of God’s presence, where he serves on our behalf as he rules over all things (Hebrews 1:1-4; 7:25). Indeed, we have been blessed with the gift of hope.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of hope. Please bring our needs to the Father as we serve in your kingdom. Grant us joy, strength, and courage to face the challenges of each day in hope. Amen.
About the author — Gerrit J. Bomhof
Gary Bomhof is pastor of First Christian Reformed Church, Red Deer, Alberta. He and his wife, Jo-Ann, have four children and five grandchildren.
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