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 6:19-20 (ESV)
In his Studies in the Epistle to the Hebrews, Louis Talbot writes, “The Greek harbors were often cut off from the sea by sandbars, over which the larger ships dared not pass till the full tide came in. Therefore, a lighter vessel, a “forerunner,” took the anchor and dropped it in the harbor. From that moment the ship was safe from the storm, although it had to wait for the tide, before it could enter the harbor. . . . The entrance of the small vessel into the harbor, the forerunner carrying the ship’s anchor, was the pledge that the ship would safely enter the harbor when the tide was full. And because Christ, our “forerunner,” has entered heaven itself, having torn asunder everything that separates the redeemed sinner from the very presence of God, He Himself is the Pledge that we, too, shall one day enter the harbor of our souls and the very presence of God, in the New Jerusalem.”
Jesus has become a suitable forerunner for us by the sacrifice of his blood on the cross and consequent resurrection from the dead. In these he perfectly fulfilled the requirements as our great High Priest. As the writer of Hebrews puts it, For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. (Hebrews 2:10 ESV)
Jesus was not made morally perfect through suffering. He was not born with a sin nature like ours; he knew no sin. He was tempted in every way as we are yet without sin. Jesus was made a perfect savior, a perfect high priest through suffering being able to help those who are tempted. In every respect he was made like us so that he was able to sympathize with our weaknesses. Therefore, he was able to make appropriate propitiation for our sins and become the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him. (Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:14-16; 5:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
What is more, Jesus has not completed his work as our high priest. He holds the office of high priest permanently because he continues forever (Hebrews 7:25). Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25 ESV) Jesus is praying that our faith will not fail. Surely God answers the prayers of his Son.
Because of Jesus’ finished work on earth and his continued work in heaven we have a great promise that we will finish our course and one day be glorified with him in heaven (Romans 8:30). The storms of life will not dispossess the children of God because Jesus has dropped anchor for us in the presence of God and the throne of grace. Christ in us is our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).
Has Jesus dropped anchor for you?
Scriptures for meditation:
Romans 8:35, 38-39
1 Corinthians 1:4-9
Hebrews 9:24