Hope as an Anchor
By Emma Danzey
Hebrews 6:19-20 says, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and reliable and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
The book of Hebrews is filled with beautiful verses proclaiming that Jesus is our great High Priest. He took on the cross for us, and He broke the barricade between us and God the Father. The sin that stood in between was defeated, and Jesus became the bridge between the Lord and us. As we break down these verses today, pray that Christ would reveal Himself more and more in your heart.
This Hope Is an Anchor of the Soul, Both Sure and Reliable
Have you ever used an anchor? A seemingly small device can be cast down into the water and stabilize a boat through the wind and waves. The larger the boat, the larger the anchor. Our soul has the effects of sin and the world. However, when we have been gifted with the Holy Spirit, He can anchor us through being pulled in many different directions other than God’s best.
Ephesians 4:14 gives us insight into the way that we are spiritually impacted by the wind and waves. It says, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”
We have hope that is both sure and reliable. Jesus’ sacrifice and following Him is the only true way to be steady in this life and sure of the one to come. He has fulfilled the law where we could not, He has come in and convicted us but not condemned those who say yes to Him, and He has been the One who had a once-and-for-all sacrifice sufficient for all sins.
One Which Enters within the Veil, Where Jesus Has Entered as a Forerunner for us
Back before the time of Jesus, a high priest would enter the Holy of holies within the temple (where God’s presence was) once a year on Yom Kippur to provide a blood sacrifice and incense to the Lord on behalf of the people’s sins. There was a great veil separating the Holy of holies. They would actually tie a rope to the priest’s ankle in case he died in the presence of God so they could pull him out. We are so sinful and small, and the Lord Almighty is so glorious and perfect that being in His presence is just too much. This is why even Moses, who was very faithful to the Lord, was instructed when getting the Ten Commandments not to look at God’s face or he would die. (Exodus 33:20)
This emphasizes why we needed a Savior. One man, once a year, who was a selected high priest, was able to go into God’s presence for one day to give an offering for sin. Jesus is called the “Forerunner for us” because He offered Himself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God on behalf of all of our sins. There was then no more need for the temple and the holy of holies or an earthly priest because the High Priest of Heaven had taken care of the problem of sin forever.
Matthew 27:51 shares, “And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split.”
If Jesus’ death and resurrection were not miracle enough, the extremely thick and heavy temple veil was torn from top to bottom right after Jesus’ death. God could not have been more clear that we are now welcome in His presence. In fact, once Jesus ascended, He sent His presence in the Holy Spirit to us who believe. This is a true miracle.
Having Become a High Priest Forever according to the Order of Melchizedek.
Jesus was not a temporary priest, He is the High Priest forever. He is the One who forever has reconciled us as sinners to our Holy Father. This verse is extra impactful to the Jewish people because Melchizedek was the high priest in Genesis whose name literally meant “king of righteousness.” He was the king of Salem, and he blessed Abraham. This is a beautiful tie to God fulfilling the Old Covenant and bringing the New Covenant through Jesus. We can celebrate our High Priest forever.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
How has sin stood in the way of your relationship with God? How has Jesus been an anchor of hope for your soul? How can you thank Jesus for being your personal High Priest today?
Further Reading:
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