Hebrews 6:9-20
Growing up on an island, fishing was a regular part of life. There is hardly anything more spectacular than to watch the sun rise while out on the ocean fishing. And my dad loved fishing at the north jetties. On the north side of our island was a natural deep-water channel, and to preserve the channel large rocks were put up on both sides of the channel. This also served as a natural reef for fish to feed. Like most fishermen, dad had a favorite place along the jetties – it was about ½ a mile out. We would pull up to the jetties about twenty-five yards out, the person in the front would drop anchor, and then dad would back up to where we were almost touching the huge, protruding rocks. One of us would throw out another rope with a broken brick tied to its end so that it would hang up in the rocks. This would prevent the boat from swaying back and forth (away from the fishing hole).
The anchor up front was critical. For if it were to break loose, it would mean the boat could crash into the rocks and break apart, leaving the people to either be cut up and bashed by the sharp rocks and incessant crashing of the waves, or face the numerous sharks hanging around in the waters. Therefore, it was vital that the person working the front anchor make certain the anchor was set well in the sandy bottom of the ocean floor.
It was not uncommon to get distracted by catching many fish and thus not notice the changing of the weather. Afternoon storms were somewhat common and could turn violently dangerous in no time at all. On more than one occasion, we faced being battered by the wind and waves, hoping and praying that the anchor would hold. It did.
In Hebrews 6:19, the writer speaks about “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.” In the Christian life, you are going to get beaten around by waves. It can feel like you are about to be pulled away by the currents – things that make you doubt God. That might be pain in your life and the lives of others, or terrible news stories, or hostility from unbelievers, or something else. What you need more than anything, if you are going to hold to your faith, is an anchor. And, thanks be to God, we have one. This is what the writer to the Hebrews wants to remind us of. He encourages us with the truth that we can trust God because of Jesus.
In our passage this week (Hebrews 6:9-20), God reassures us that we have great reasons to trust his promises. There are three strands in the rope to secure the anchor. Join us this week as we consider these promises of God. Did I mention that this anchor reaches up into the heavens?
Because He Lives,
Pastor Wayne