Time to Drop Anchor

Hebrews 6:19-20

¹⁹ We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, ²⁰ where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

(ESV)

It seems that in this election we find ourselves in a tumultuous political storm.  Many fear the country will perish and that they will lose everything they have worked for.  Others, who have decided to trust in government to care for them through some entitlement program fear the election of someone that will do away with these programs.  Scripture tells us that God is not the source of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), so if we are feeling fear for any reason this election, that feeling is not from God. 

Mark 4:35-41 records the account of the disciples and Jesus in a severe storm.  Just as many have fear in this electoral season, the disciples feared they would perish in the storm.  However, Jesus is asleep in the stern of the boat.  The disciples, most likely not understanding and probably angry at Jesus’ lack of concern at their plight, wake Jesus up and question his concern for their plight.  I picture Jesus calmly getting up, raising his hands, and commanding the storm to stop.  Of course, as God, the storm had to obey Jesus’ command. 

In the tumultuous political storm and the storm of cultural upheaval in which we now find ourselves, I believe we can learn much from the account of the calming of the storm.  

1)      Jesus was with them (Mark 4:38) – While consumed with fear, the disciples forgot that Jesus, God in the flesh, was with them.  It is easy for us to get caught up in the political rhetoric of our times or to become angered as we witness our culture turning its back on God.  However, no matter how tumultuous the storm is, Jesus is with us and he will be at peace because he is never surprised by what is happening in our world.

2)      The disciples called out to Jesus (Mark 4:38) – While consumed with fear, the disciples, maybe just one of them, finally realized that Jesus was with them.  Even though the manner in which they called out to them implies they were angered at his apparent lackadaisical attitude towards their situation, the fact is that they did call out to Jesus.

3)      Jesus calmed the storm and they were saved (Mark4:39) – In spite of the fear of the disciples and their apparent lack of faith, Jesus answered their cry for help and calmed the storm. 

Hebrews 6:19-20 reminds us that we have an anchor for our souls in Jesus our Savior.  However, we only have this anchor if we have decided to make Jesus our Savior and taken refuge in Him (Hebrews 6:18).  During these tumultuous times, it has never been more important for us to each drop anchor by taking refuge in Jesus by inviting him to be our savior.  If you have not already taken refuge in Jesus, I invite you to do so now by praying with me,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Congratulations on your decision to drop anchor in the rock that gives stability during these tumultuous times.  I now encourage everyone that either just made Jesus their Savior, or those of us that have had Jesus as our savior for some time to drop anchor by.

1)      Remembering Jesus is always with us no matter how tumultuous the storm is.

2)      Making calling out and praying to God our first reaction when we begin to experience fear or anger.

3)      Remembering that even when our faith seems weak and we are full of fear, Jesus is gracious and hears our prayers and is ready to calm the storm in which we find ourselves. 

Join me in praying for this election in the United States knowing that whoever wins, it is not a surprise to God and in fact is part of his grand plan.  Pray knowing Jesus is with His people and no matter what storm may arise due to the results of the election, Jesus is there primed and ready to calm the storm.  Pray knowing that Jesus is going to return and straighten everything out (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18).