“…we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast.” Hebrews 6:18-19
The boat that mysteriously disappeared from the harbor that morning was an impressive beauty. The 27-foot, sleek, glistening vessel with twin 300-horsepower engines which belonged to an East Coast police department was one of their unrivaled best.
During the previous night’s storm which brought heavy winds and rains, the boat’s rope had loosened from the metal cleat. The officers assigned to that particular vessel failed to see it drift from the dock.
The wayward craft was found under a bridge miles away, severely damaged from dashing against the concrete support beams. Officials were unsure why no one noticed the boat was not where it should have been, only that the tragedy was “due to inattentiveness” and should never have occurred.
The Word compares us to boats…
The quiet seasons of life are a great relief, especially after a particularly severe storm. Soon, memories of the treacherous trials and hardships of yesterday dim in the sunny port of the daily routines.
It's easy to be caught up in the strong currents of every day. Let’s face it, Life is Busy. Stimulating. Distracting. Though we never intended to, our walks with Jesus often get shuffled to the back of the line and the firm grip we once had on the Word loosens.
It is in the safe harbor
that we forget to check our anchor.
The Scriptures give wise counsel and exhortation, lest we drift. If we fail to pay close attention to the Word, which is the anchor that tethers us securely to the Rock, Jesus Christ, we are in danger of experiencing the same fate as the disappearing boat.
Therefore, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1
Drifting happens gradually. It is often unnoticed. It requires zero effort. And, by definition, if something is drifting, it is not anchored. It just floats on by, carried along by the stream.
The one absolute protection we have against drifting is to pay careful attention to the anchor of the Word.
When the waves of circumstance and peril buffet us, the Word reminds us of the steadfast nature of our Savior. When the storm obscures our view, the Word is a compass and lighthouse that shows us the way. When the lazy currents of complacency and lethargy threaten to untether us from the Rock, the Word reminds us to stay alerted and be watchful. When distractions avert our focus from eternal things, the Word exhorts us to fix our eyes on Jesus, seek first His kingdom, and find perfect rest in Him.
May we have lives securely anchored in the Word, tethered to the perfect Rock our Lord Jesus.
