Hebrews 6:17-20
"Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 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." (NIV)
"Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 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." (NIV)
When a group of children are playing tag, they often designate a tree or pole that is home base - meaning, if you are touching home base, you can't be tagged. You are safe. In the Old Testament the Israelites had a home base - the horns on the altar of atonement. If a person ran into the tabernacle and grabbed onto the horns of the altar, they were safe from being judged or killed (Exodus 21:13). This represented the sacrifice of Jesus being our safety. But this physical representation was still not sufficient for total security (1 Kings 1-2). It was actually declared "weak and useless" (Hebrews 7:18). When you are playing tag, eventually you have to get off of home base and run for your life.
In Hebrews 7:19 we read about a "better hope that is introduced by which we draw near to God." This is a permanent home base for us. It is also likened to an anchor that is firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19). It grounds us when we feel blown about by chaos and pressure in our lives. This solid hope is Jesus - his death and resurrection. He is our only hope for salvation - not only in an eternal sense, but also salvation for your day ahead. The death and resurrection of Jesus was not just a symbol of our salvation. It actually is our salvation (Hebrews 7:22-28).
We have been offered this solid hope of salvation for our present and future. But, just because hope is offered to us, that doesn't mean we are safe yet. We are counseled to run to the hope found in Jesus, to grab hold of his hope. Psalm 42:5 says to "put your hope in God." This is something we can do! We can can access this rock-solid hope. We don't have to remain outside wishing for mercy as we cling to the horns of the altar. We are invited to run straight into the inner courts of the Father's house and find our safety. As we run to our Father, we have his promise that he will receive us and wrap us in his arms. This is our unshakeable hope.
In Hebrews 7:19 we read about a "better hope that is introduced by which we draw near to God." This is a permanent home base for us. It is also likened to an anchor that is firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19). It grounds us when we feel blown about by chaos and pressure in our lives. This solid hope is Jesus - his death and resurrection. He is our only hope for salvation - not only in an eternal sense, but also salvation for your day ahead. The death and resurrection of Jesus was not just a symbol of our salvation. It actually is our salvation (Hebrews 7:22-28).
We have been offered this solid hope of salvation for our present and future. But, just because hope is offered to us, that doesn't mean we are safe yet. We are counseled to run to the hope found in Jesus, to grab hold of his hope. Psalm 42:5 says to "put your hope in God." This is something we can do! We can can access this rock-solid hope. We don't have to remain outside wishing for mercy as we cling to the horns of the altar. We are invited to run straight into the inner courts of the Father's house and find our safety. As we run to our Father, we have his promise that he will receive us and wrap us in his arms. This is our unshakeable hope.
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