Hebrews 6:19

Hebrews 6:19

The Anchor of the Soul.

Note a series of practical lessons.

I. The ship that is kept by an anchor, although safe, is not at ease. It does not, on the one hand, dread destruction; but neither, on the other hand, does it enjoy rest. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you." Those who have entered the harbour do not need an anchor; and those who are drifting with the stream do not cast one out. The hope which holds is neither for the world without, nor the glorified within, but for Christ's people as they pass through life rejoicing with trembling, faint yet pursuing. "In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

II. But further: the ship that is held by an anchor is not only tossed in the tempest like other ships, it is tossed more than other ships. The ship that rides at anchor experiences rackings and heavings that ships which drift with the tide do not know. So souls who have no hold of Christ seem to lie softer on the surface of a heaving world than souls that are anchored in His power and love. The drifting ship, before she strikes, is more smooth and more comfortable than the anchored one; but when she strikes the smoothness is all over. The pleasures of sin are sweet to those who taste them; but the sweetness is only for a season.

III. When the anchor has been cast into a good ground, the heavier the strain that comes on it, the deeper and firmer grows its hold. As winds and currents increase in volume, the anchor bites more deeply into the soil, and so increases its preserving power. It is thus with a trusting soul; temptations, instead of driving him away from his Saviour, only fix his affections firmer on the Rock of Ages.

IV. The ship that is anchored is sensitive to every change of wind or tide, and ever turns sharply round to meet and resist the stream, from what direction soever it may flow. A ship is safest with her head to the sea and the tempest. In great storms the safety of all often depends on the skill with which the sailors can keep her head to the rolling breakers.

V. When the ship is anchored, and the sea is running high, there is great commotion at her bows. The waves in rapid succession come on and strike. Cast in the anchor when the sea is calm; you will need it to lean on when the last strain comes on.

W. Arnot, The Anchor of the Soul, p. 9.

References: Hebrews 6:19 . Homiletic Quarterly, vol. iv.,p. 129; J. Thain Davidson, The City Youth, p. 281.Hebrews 6:19-20 . J. Burton, Christian Life and Truth, p. 249; A. G. Brown, Christian World Pulpit, vol. xxix., p. 349; C. Stanford, Central Truths, p. 102.