Hope in Our Crazy World - Pt 3

So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:17-20 ESV).

Our second principle that brings us hope in the trials of this world is that we already know how the story ends. We already know how our story ends. We have an inheritance because of what Christ has done for us. We are headed for glory. Eric Geiger wrote: "God has designed the end and the in between. The end is people from every tribe, tongue, and nation gathered around the throne worshipping Him because they were purchased with the blood of Christ (cf. Revelation 5:9-10). Regardless of what happens this week, what unfolds in the news, the ending has already been made clear: God is redeeming for Himself a people from all peoples." You may be tempted to agree with that truth without believing it is your truth. Look again at our reading. The writer describes “who” these people with a firm and secure anchor are: …we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. The very fact that you have a concern whether you will make it or not indicates you are indeed one of those who have “fled for refuge.” Remember the key is not in how firmly you have a grasp on God; the key is in how firmer He has a grasp on us. In fact, that’s the image of the “anchor” in this reading. It was a sturdy post deeply buried in the shore where sailors would tie their ships to it in order that others on the shore would be able to pull them into a safe anchorage. Jesus is that “crew” on the shore. He has already gone this way and overcome death and sin forever that we might have assurance of a safe arrival in our eternal home. I know there are those times when you simply cannot feel the steady pull to home; however, make no mistake in that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Our emotions are so often unreliable. The mere fact that pain, in any form, dulls the trustworthiness of our emotions forces me to rely more on what I know through Scripture and the lives of those who have gone before me. Then I am able to possess hope, even in our crazy world!