We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6: 19-20

The writer of Hebrews presents a complicated argument that theologically establishes Jesus as a High Priest who mediates with God on our behalf. Thus he proclaims Jesus as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.

To me this is all very esoteric. I really don't relate well to high priests, but I used to do a lot of fishing. The anchor I used was a plastic bottle filled with concrete. It usually held the boat in place. But if the current was too strong, or the winds were too powerful, my boat would sometimes begin to drift. The anchor was not always sure and steadfast, unless I dropped it in the cleft of a large rock. Then my anchor would hold.

Jesus spent his life representing a God of love and compassion. He was the incarnation of that love. He asked us to follow him. When we do so, God's love becomes incarnated in us, and we begin to show that love, even to our enemies. The world does not understand that. The way of peace is often fraught with danger.

When the storms begin to rage, Jesus is the rock where I can drop anchor in the depths of God's love. There, in the cleft of the rock, I find a sure and steadfast anchor for my soul. There I find rest and security. In the words of the old hymn, “Jesus, blessed Rock of Ages, I will hide myself in thee.”

Prayer: O compassionate God, sometimes we feel as though the waves will swamp our tiny boat. As we drift toward the precipice, we search desperately for a rock to which we can make a secure anchor. As we wait for the storm to end, provide us with that rock. Our hope is in you, oh Lord, our rock and our salvation. Thank you for providing Jesus to whom we can cling in our hour of need. Amen.