This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20
Jesus: The Anchor of the Soul
According to observations by Michael Card in his album, Soul Anchor: “The anchor became a key Christian symbol during the period of 
Roman persecution. The first century symbol wasn’t the cross; it was the anchor. If I’m a first century Christian and I’m hiding in the catacombs and three of my best friends have just been thrown to the lions or burned at the stake, or crucified and set ablaze as torches at one of [Emperor] Nero’s garden parties, the symbol that most encourages me in my faith is the anchor. When I see it, I’m reminded that Jesus is my anchor.”
So where did the idea of an anchor originate? Aside from Paul’s shipwreck account in Acts 27 at Malta, we only see the word ‘anchor’ used one other time: in Hebrews 6:19. But I submit to you that the writer of Hebrews used the terminology earlier in the book, back in chapter two.
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. Hebrews 2:1
At first glance these do not seem like nautical terms, but diving into the lexicon will give us some insight. Let’s look at the word ‘heed.’ That word in the Greek language is ‘prosecho.’ It has various meanings. We’re most familiar with the idea of turning our minds towards a person or thing, or giving our attention to something or someone, but in the nautical sense it also means to ‘hold or cling to,’ or to ‘bring a ship to land,’ as to secure or anchor it. When we add the word earnestly [to heed], as the writer of Hebrews did, it emphasizes the vital importance of anchoring not in a slipshod or negligent manner, but in such a way that will ensure our vessel will not slip or drift away.
Are you anchored earnestly?
Do not forget that Jesus is the Rock, our sure anchor. He is the Word by which we stand secure. Take earnest heed in Him, lest you drift away.
“There is none holy like the Lord; there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2
Soul Anchor (By Michael Card)
Though the wind is ragin all around
And even though the waves may rise
There’s a place of stillness in the storm
And you can find it if you will believe
It’s a soul anchor, Hold on to the hope
It is a soul anchor, Just hold on to your courage
Before we call, He answers us with hope
We are so sure of what we’re waiting for
And certain of the things we do not see
For we are told by the One who cannot lie
And in this hope is our security
It’s a soul anchor, Hold on to the hope
It is a soul anchor, Just hold on to your courage
Before we call, He answers us with hope
So hold fast, draw near / So hold fast, draw near
It’s a soul anchor
Hold onto the hope / It’s a soul anchor
Just hold on to your courage / Before we call He answers us
Before we call He answers us
The articles may or may not be related:
- The Anchor (guineapigrunt.wordpress.com)
- Importance of an Anchor (hopebeheranchor.wordpress.com)
- Is Your Soul Anchored? (divinepc.wordpress.com)
- Hope (lyricspire.com)
- Anchored in Jesus (spiritministries.wordpress.com)
- Throwback Thursday: On Hope (adoptiongraceandlife.wordpress.com)
- You Hold My Awe (shellykropp.wordpress.com)
- An Anchor for my Soul (becauseheartmatters.wordpress.com)
- Sunday Class Notes: August 4 (lifereference.wordpress.com)
- When Life Hurts Most (anarosegapasin.wordpress.com)
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He Dwells -- The B'log in My Eye 