Whether one is tossed about by storms or drifts away because of the current, there is an anchor that keeps souls from foundering. A divine service on a complicated Bible text, which the Chief Apostle explained in an easy to understand way.
-
Photo: NAC Australia
-
Photo: NAC Australia
-
Photo: NAC Australia
-
Photo: NAC Australia
-
Photo: NAC Australia
-
Photo: NAC Australia
-
Photo: NAC Australia
-
Photo: NAC Australia
-
Photo: NAC Australia
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” This passage from Hebrews 6, specifically verses 19 and 20, was the basis of the service Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider held in Perth (Australia) on 23 October 2016.
With good reason
An anchor keeps a ship moored and prevents it from drifting away with the wind or current. In a similar way, hope keeps us in fellowship with God at all times, the Chief Apostle said. This anchor has been dropped in a special place: behind the curtain in the sanctuary, the place where God lives. “So our hope is anchored in God Himself.”
What is our hope? Certainly far more than meets the eye. This hope is not only based on the confident expectation of the fulfilment of one’s wishes, but on the confident expectation that the divine promises will be fulfilled: the sending of His Son to take His own unto Himself, eternal fellowship with Him, and the new creation.
This hope is definitely justified. “God cannot lie. He is the truth.” And God is almighty. “Nothing can prevent Him from doing His will.”
Forerunner and intercessor
And what about the forerunner mentioned in the Bible text. What does that mean? Earlier, when a big ship could not drop the anchor directly where it was stationed, a small boat was used to carry the anchor to a place where it would have enough hold on the seabed. “Jesus was this forerunner,” Chief Apostle Schneider explained.
When Christ had risen from the dead, He entered into the kingdom of God. He was the first one. “He is already there. He opened the way. He made it possible for us. And He prays for us.” He is at the right hand of God, where He intercedes for us with God.
The effects are seen every day
“Hope keeps us from spiritual shipwreck.” Once the anchor is dropped it is hardly visible. But even then its effects can be felt in everyday life. “Sometimes we face storms. We are shaken and tossed about, are tested, and quite often we suffer.” But our hope in a glory that is much greater than our sufferings makes sure that we do not allow anything to drive us away from God.
In calm weather, the anchor keeps the boat from drifting away. In the same way, hope keeps us from drifting away spiritually and helps us to withstand the test of time. And, finally, when we are confronted by our own weaknesses and failures, or are faced with the power of evil, we can count on hope to encourage and strengthen us.
The captain decides
However, whether the anchor is dropped or is weighed is decided by the captain. “It is up to us to remain anchored in Jesus Christ.” If Jesus no longer takes first place in our hearts, we have weighed the anchor. And how do we determine if this is the case? “If the fulfilment of our wishes is more important for us than the fulfilment of His promise,” the Chief Apostle said.
“Don’t weigh the anchor of hope,” the Chief Apostle called to the congregation. “If we work for the Lord in His mind and spirit, we will experience His blessing. And this hope fills us with joy.”