Anchored Up
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The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people.
2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem .
6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.
29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
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Our theme for today is ‘Anchored up.’
My one story about an anchor was when we were out boating while on holiday in Florida. We dropped anchor to jump off and have a swim. When the time came to return the boat to the hire company, I could not get the anchor back up again! I had caught hold or a network cable in the sea and someone had to dive down to un-snag our boat. We were anchored fast but not to a rock!
Be Warned - (Hebrews 6:1-3) Press on to maturity.
Be-Loved (Hebrews 6:9-12) God knows the love you have shown.
Be Anchored (Hebrews 6:19-20) to Christ our solid rock.
Be Warned
The Letter to the Hebrews by way of context, is written by a Christian pastor to bring warning and encouragement to his people. I am sure pastor Brian, like myself, would rather bring words of encouragement than warning, yet if we are faithful to God’s Word we have to do both. I hope you will reflect and respond to both.
Be Warned, first few verses writer says, ‘I want to speak to you about deeper things but you are still spiritual infants.’ Still on milk, and not solid food. Sharp words about not growing in faith and laziness (v12). He talks about maturing, challenging us to build on the foundations of faith that we have. Foundations- 6:1 Repentance from sin and faith in Jesus. Acts 20:21 ‘repentance and faith in Christ.’ 6:2 Baptism and laying on hands (commissioning). Basics like the resurrection and judgement day (6:2) – All solid foundational truths. We are to build on these things, v1: ‘press on to maturity.’ When we build a house we do not keep admiring the foundations, we build on them. That is the message here.
You could ask, what has that to do with the anchor? It is about drifting. The metaphor of an anchor, begins in Heb 2:1-4 with a warning about drifting away from the Word. 4:2Drifting leads doubting the word. ‘which is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword.’ Heb 4:13 Before long we don’t bother with it and Heb 6:12 puts it like this ‘we do not want you to become lazy.’ Drifting, no anchor, no need for it – as Pink Floyd wrote, you have become ‘comfortably numb.’
Like a child on a rocking horse we can go back and forwards talking about your favourite issues: politics, gender issues, environment matters. Creation and end times…all vip matters, but we can be into these things but an infant spiritually, rocking back and forwards on that hobbyhorse, not maturing, not growing in faith.
This warning is an act of love. Love says the hard things. Makes me ask, am I distinctly Christian in my lifestyle, am I reading the word, praying & interceding, am I reaching out with the Good News and in serving? Am I Christ-like? A Mature Christian
If you're thinking OK enough of the stick, what about a carrot! Hebrews 6:3,9,10 brings encouragement and comfort.
Beloved (Hebrews 6:9-12)
The only time this word ‘beloved’ appears in Hebrews- makes it significant.
The Pastor having warned them about drifting now turns to words of encouragement. A good pastor will balance words of warning with words of encouragement. In Hebrews 6:9 he says, ‘Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realised. 12 We do not want you to become lazy… but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
The Greek for “beloved” is agapēto meaning “dearly loved by God.” This is more than human affection. Valued as a child of God - more than friends joint heirs with Christ - highly valued.
Ironically, the first few verses say they must grow up from being spiritual babes but then in v9 he says beloved – valued and loved children of God. Beloved of God know his love for you.
Heb 6:10 God has not forgotten what you have done or the love you have shown him. You have served and are serving. You have helped and are helping God's people. You have loved and are loving, these are the better things referred to (v9) (better than the world)
NB this is not about good works gaining brownie points. It is the outworking of their faith that the pastor returns to in Hebrews 13.
Heb 13:1 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers….3 Continue to remember those in prison…and those who are mistreated…21 may God…equip you with everything good for doing [Jesus’] will. This is about the grace of God working in me, equipping me to do those things in his name and for his glory.
In 1998, when I was on IoW in ministerial training, I came across a couple who epitomised this text: they were hospitable to us, invited us for meals, encouraged us to keep in the Word, to be active in serving. David & Shirley Tamkin, loved us and supported me in ministry, David even came to visit me in Yorkshire (curate). Ultimately they inherited the promise of Hebrews 6:12 ‘Through faith and patience inherit what has been promised’ Better things. Eternally secure. I mention this couple because they are an encouragement to us, one of us and because they are in glory – this world is not my home (I’m just passing through). Finally…..
Be Anchored
In the same way that an anchor keeps a ship from drifting in a storm, so God’s promises and God’s presence keep us from drifting when we encounter storms and trouble in life.
Heb 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain 20 where our forerunner Jesus, has entered on our behalf
When Hebrews was written an ANCHOR was a symbol of security. A surehold especially in storms of life. In Rome’s catacombs, 66 etchings of anchors have been found. It was found on gravestones and works of art (in 1st 300 years of the church). Symbolising the early Christians belief in steadfast and sure hope in Jesus.
The hymn written in 1882 by Priscilla J Owens said: ‘We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll. Fastened to the rock that cannot move, grounded firm indeed in the Saviour’s love…
It was adopted by Scot, William Smith founder of the Boys Brigade as their motto in 1883.
Let us look at what this anchor metaphor could mean:
· It cannot move, steadfast, God purposes will prevail - we are fastened to the rock that cannot move.
· It is sure - see what it is made of “two immutable things – God’s promise and God’s Oath. Anchors are strongly made, tough iron/steel, dependable to bear all the strain at the worst of times. God’s sure word (his promise) and God’s oath.
· Normally, an anchor is used to keep a boat secure in the ocean. Here it says that this anchor is hooked not somewhere in the sea but onto someone, a forerunner, who has entered into the Holy of Holies on our behalf. When Jesus died Matt 27:51, Mk 15:38 Lk 23:45 records that the temple veil was torn from top to bottom. Jesus is the secure solid rock that the Christian is anchored to. He prevents us from drifting in hard times.
· It is secure at both ends; our Lord is anchoring up to us as the storms of life arise.
KB everything going well, job accountant, sport, friends, faith, age 23 - 4 bedroomed house (detached)… Then bottom, fell out of my world….crash… BUT as I lay broken I was held by his word “I am with you always.” What was going on? Jesus ANCHORING, holding fast to me.
Hebrews 2:18 ‘Because he himself was tested by what He suffered, He is able to help those who are being tested’
I’ve noticed in chaplaincy that people do reach out to anchor up in the storms of life, crying out, hoping, trusting that the Lord is near, steadfast and sure. I believe this is what’s happening - our Lord is actually anchoring up to us in our tempest and our brokenness. God has given His unchanging and trustworthy Word. Heb 6:19 your soul has an anchor steadfast and sure
Lyndi –‘I never got to tell Pete about Jesus’…. ‘a Window of opportunity opened up’
The letter to the Hebrews is to a group of Christian converts Heb 2:3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.’ They’d experienced storms (Heb 10:32-34). Hebrews is a book of warning to keep pressing on and of solace: you are beloved. Heb 6:19 encourages us to anchor to &Trust in God who knows everything about us and still calls us beloved.
Charitie Bancroft wrote in 1863
Before the throne of God above.
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great high priest whose name is love.
Whoever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands,
No tongue can bid me thence depart."
When Satan tempts me to despair,
and tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see him there.
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Saviour died,
my sinful soul is counted free.
For God, the Justice is satisfied,
to look on him and pardon me".
