An anchor for the soul – Magazine Leader, September 2017

Many people find that this month spells change. Change is something that can be welcomed or is found to be unsettling. Whichever of these experiences it is, we need an anchor!

After a time of flux in the housing market people move home and begin to settle. Others start new jobs after a summer break. Schools start a new term and sixth form colleges roar into action and encourage students to look to the horizon as to what comes next. Apprentices have to adjust to a mixture of work and study time. University students often move away from home for the first time with mixed emotions about the leaving the nest. Others join new study courses or evening classes or join clubs for a new term. Several find that their medical health care can soon dominate the week. These are all significant changes to navigate. Where do we find stability in what may well feel like riding through a storm? We need a secure line so that we don’t go adrift.

One writer in the Bible uses a picture that is not used elsewhere: the picture of an anchor. But, instead of this going down to the ocean bed, this anchor reaches up into heaven: ‘we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek’ (Heb 6v19). For all believers this speaks clearly of how Jesus has gone before us, to secure our salvation in heaven. It means that we are to put our full trust and confidence in him.

This ‘anchor’ of salvation in Christ, enables us to face the changes in life. For a school pupil or university student who is anxious about the new term, there is the assurance of Jesus the high priest who is can sympathise with us and will provide us with help. For those who have a change of work or location they can be sure of a secure relationship with God. For those facing an uncertain path ahead, they know that Jesus has secured the future. For those feeling that their health is on the wobble, Jesus provides true hope.

An anchor for the soul is provided in Jesus.

Paul Kingman

Christ Church Magazine September 2017