“And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us.” Romans 5:5
Dear Ones:
Hope is a very powerful thing, because sometimes in the crucible of difficult circumstances, it seems to be the only thing that faith can cling to. So, how is it that a little hope can be of so great a significance? In the book of Hebrews, the author writes: “…Which HOPE we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil.” (6:19) What is this hope, and why is it called “an anchor of the soul?” To answer the question, we need to look at two preceding verses in the passage. In the first of these verses we discover that God has given to us a promise, based upon “the immutability of His counsel.” (v.17) This means that the promise is backed by the unchanging commitment of God according to the promise, to fulfill or accomplish it. In verse 18, we read that God cannot lie. This lays the ground for us to have a “strong consolation,” a certain persuasion which satisfies the soul. The application of such a knowledge of God, and His commitment in dealing with us who would receive, and embrace the promise, is that we “…have fled (and do flee) for refuge to LAY HOLD upon the hope set before us.” This hope is certainly referring to that expectation of an eternity with Christ, “His forever, only His.” But it has applications and repercussions for us now on this earth also, for this “anchor of the soul” lies presently within the veil. That veil is that which was torn from top to bottom in the temple, when Christ had accomplished perfectly His work on Calvary. Access was given to us who believe, to enter into the very “holy of holies,” there to have true and profound fellowship with God. Again, how is this an anchor of the soul? It is by virtue of the certainty of its provision. Access has been forever given to the believer regardless of the circumstance, even in the midst of suffering. It is for this reason that Paul would write: “…NOTHING shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:39) Not only do we have a constant access by the blood of Jesus, but we have a constant audience with the Father. How then is this “hope,” built on the eternal work of Christ, expressed to us in promises that are as immutable as Christ Himself, to be practically used, and acted upon?
In Hebrews 4:16, we read that, because of the identifying work of Christ in His humanity, and His sinless work, we are to come “boldly” unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Any right thinking individual, who knows something of his own sinfulness, coming before a holy God, would have a natural tendency to come with trepidation, or hesitation, before God’s presence. Scripture, with one broad stroke, swipes all of “self worth,” or lack of it, aside, in order that we can come with assurance to the God who is infinitely merciful. The psalmist writes: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” And so, this is how we are to come…JUST WE ARE, appealing to His mercy, certain that He will receive us “for the Name that is dear.” Secondly, we come in order to literally receive all from Him because He is gracious. He does not give, and give again, because we, in and of our selves, have earned the right to come and receive. He gives because of the merit, or worthiness, of the ONE standing in the presence of the Father interceding for us.
Dear Father, we thank Thee that our HOPE is within the veil…there HE stands, and ever waits for us to use this way which He has inaugurated, established, and sealed with His own precious blood. Ever give us to boldly come with the certainty of hope, KNOWING that we are wondrously received by a merciful and gracious God, who cannot lie, and whose work on Calvary is immutable. In Jesus’ name, Amen,
Love, Dad