A Sure Anchor

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

I’ve had the opportunity to tour one of the most famous American battleships still afloat; the Iowa Class USS Wisconsin, BB-64. Commissioned in April of 1944, she is still commissioned, though in moth balls (reserved fleet), in Norfolk, VA. Today she serves as a floating museum that is open to the public.

The ship has a beautiful silhouette, but can be both Beauty and Beast. She has a kick that would make any navy approach with caution. Her nine 16-inch naval guns can launch a one-ton armor piercing shell at a target 22 miles away. What fascinated me the most on my tour were the two huge anchors and chains on the bow of the ship. The two anchor chains are each 1000 feet long with each link weighing 120 lbs. apiece. Each anchor weighs in at an enormous 15 tons.

When we consider the majestic power of the Creator of everything, it’s no wonder the writer of Hebrews speaks of Him being an anchor to our souls. Anchors hold and stabilize a vessel and keep them from drifting. There’s no one like Him in power, might or glory causing King David to ask of Him, “What is man that You consider him?” But He does consider every one of us. The Lord is an anchor that holds our little ships in Him as we lie in earth’s port of call. As He holds us, He enters behind the veil into the Holiest Place, before God the Father, interceding on our behalf (1^st John 2:1).

Some of our ships do suffer some losses in the spiritual battle we fight on the high seas of life, but let us rest assured that none are damaged without His knowledge and concern. As mighty as the anchors and chains on the Wisconsin seem, they pale in comparison to the mighty holding power of our anchor Christ Jesus.

I’m speaking from experience, here. He’s been my anchor through some unbelievable typhoons. Wherever we sail in life and whatever port we find ourselves, when He is set as the anchor of our Hope, we can be sure He will always be immovable. But more than that, as the Psalmist says, He remains individually mindful of all the typhoon tossed. With an Anchor like that, who can move us? Many may try but none will prevail. Even the demons believe that and shudder with fear (James 2:19).

Ken