ISSL Reflections – June 23 2024 Hebrews 6:9–20 Post 1

I.
As we begin our reflections on this passage from Hebrews 6, notice that the writer speaks of
“… a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul…”

Let’s think about “anchors” this week.

II.
Hebrews 6:9-20 (NRSVue)

Even though we speak in this way, beloved, we are confident of better things in your case, things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. And we want each one of you to show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the very end, so that you may not become sluggish but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

When God made a promise to Abraham, because he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Humans, of course, swear by someone greater than themselves, and an oath given as confirmation puts an end to all dispute among them. In the same way, when God desired to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it by an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God would prove false, we who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

III.
What “anchors” do you find mentioned in this passage?

Which one (or ones) of the “anchors” do you identify in your own life?

What “anchor” do you find holds fast for you in the midst of the winds of change, discouragement, and disappointment?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

A NOTE OF APOLOGY:
I apologize for my usual schedule of posts being disrupted over the last several weeks.

All I can say is that Summer scheduling has presented a few more glitches than I had expected.

Thank you for having the patience and understanding to hang in with me.

Be on the lookout for the blessings that may come our way even as the “glitches” arise.


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