Never surrender your life to any storm that comes your way. From moments of discouragement to depths of despair many have said ‘I give up’. But the Spirit urges you today to hold on.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love
The above hymn of the 19th century by Priscilla Owens asks questions of us:
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift and the cables strain, will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
It is more than possible to answer with a loud and definite YES today!
The hymn was inspired by the verses we will read today.
“People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6 v 16-20)
God delivers on what He promises, v16-17. God will never be guilty of perjury! God delivers on the 2 ‘unchangeable things’ which are His promise and His oath. His promise is one thing but His promises is secured by an oath. Now who has a higher authority to be able to make sure the promise is delivered on? God Himself. The ultimate final court of appeal which has the highest security attached to His promise for your life is Himself.
God does not disappoint, v18. Last evening I was preaching in an amazing Elim Church in Brazil where the stage became a mercy seat for those fleeing to ‘take hold of the hope’ set before them. Many ran to kneel and surrender their lives before God’s throne. Huge encouragement came over their souls. No one was turned away. Mercy was there for everyone. It was mercy or continuing to remain in condemnation and mercy won. His promise of mercy was secured by His oath sealed by His blood.
God is dependable, v19-20. You are secure. This anchor means you will not go down but you will stay the course and bring you home. The picture of the inner Holy of Holies is right here. Jesus has gone before us as our forerunner and the anchor is now on His intercession for us. He is there as High Priest of our lives and we are right back to understanding He is our intermediary and an eternal one. Which sets us up for this interesting figure of Melchizedek.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love
Missions Paul 