We Have This Hope

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. – Hebrews 6:19 – 20

From Sam Lomas:

Recently I was part of a question and answer panel at a local secondary school.  There were four of us on the panel answering questions prepared by a group of year ten students.  One of the questions asked was, “In your opinion what is the most important Christian value?”  It didn’t take long for the panel to respond.  

“Love”, someone said quickly referencing Jesus’ teaching, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. … Love your neighbour as yourself.” Great answer.

“Forgiveness” said the next person. They explained how important and valuable it is to know and embrace forgiveness, in particular, the forgiveness for our sin and the pain we cause God and others. Another great answer.

After hearing these answers, and being in full agreement with them, I decided that there was another value I wanted to add.  The value I spoke of was hope.  More specifically, the hope that comes from knowing that Jesus is Lord of all and right now sits at the right hand of God, a ‘perspective transforming hope’ that comes from trusting in the promises of Jesus with the ‘hopeful’ expectation that one day He will return in glory.

This is the kind of hope described in Hebrews 6:19 – 20.  Knowing that Jesus is Lord (or as the author of Hebrews puts it, ‘the great high priest’) is a great comfort in times of distress.  I have often leaned on these two verses when feeling down hearted as it reminds me of the big picture.  It restores a heavenly perspective.  That is, that regardless of present circumstances, Jesus is still the great high priest.

These verses speak of how our hope is secure and immoveable, anchored in God, just as a ship’s anchor holdsfirmly to the seabed.  Our hope is for the things God has promised to those who place their trust in Him.

I wonder whether you feel hopeful today?

If not – then be encouraged.  Remind yourself that Jesus is Lord (the high priest over all) and ultimately, He has promised to never leave you.

And if you do feel full of hope – then tell someone about the hope you have.  Remember how the apostle Peter encourages you to be prepared to share the hope you have (1 Peter 3:15).  Who could you share your hope with today?

Afterall, hope is a key characteristic of the Christian.