√ Reality Check

Hebrews Chapter 6

Scripture: Hebrews 6:19-20 (Amplified Bible)
“[Now] we have this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it--a hope] that reaches farther and enters into [the very certainty of the Presence] within the veil, Where Jesus has entered in for us [in advance], a Forerunner having become a High Priest forever after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek.”

Observation: We have all heard the phrase, “there are no guarantees in life.” In that phrase is a sense of fear that conveys that you can never be sure what may happen in your life. The author of the book of Hebrews is telling us in Chapter 6, that we can count on what Jesus accomplished for us through his life, death and resurrection (the second covenant). In fact, God Himself has given an oath to us in His own name that Jesus as our High Priest has forever guaranteed us access to our Heavenly Father (see 4:14-16). Who Jesus is and all that He has accomplished for us as our High Priest can be an anchor to our soul. No matter what the storms of life throw at us today we can in confidence know that we can run to God and recieve all that we need to hang on and survive.

For Further Insight:
To appreciate the power of the meaning of Hebrews 6:19-20, we have to understand how Israel was instructed to approach the presence of God that rested behind the veil of the holy of holies, in the tabernacle of Israel (see Leviticus 16:2). The high priest was only allowed to enter the holy of holies once a year on the Day of Atonement. There were certain garments that the high priest had to wear and certain procedures that had to be followed. To disregard God’s instructions meant certain death. Even to approach the tabernacle without reverence and godly fear meant death (see Leviticus 10:1-7). Jesus as our High Priest has forever made atonement for us and through his sacrificial death the veil was torn (opened) to give us guaranteed access to the presence of the Father. All the promises of the second covenant are assured through Jesus whose blood upon the mercy seat took care of our sins once and for all.

Application: I can come boldly (4:16) to the throne of God to be in the presence of God. How can I give this privilege away or ever denounce the work of Jesus for me? I have been given the privilege to house the very presence of God. I have been given the privilege of living in the provision and blessings of God every day. Everything that God is has been placed at my disposal. This gift, given through the blood of Jesus, is not to be exploited for my own desires or take for granted. I must yield myself today to God; to allow His will and His work to be demonstrated by my life. I can live today with an anchor of hope, holding securely my place with God despite the storms of life!

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for securing for me an eternal covenant with All Mighty God. Help me today, to walk securely in what you have provided for me! No matter what life throws at me I know that you are there! May my choices today, my reactions to life give you glory.

Posted by Reality Check on Friday, July 28, 2006 at 12:45 PM | Permalink