In ancient times, when boats did not have engines, navigation was less precise. When boats were propelled by several men with oars, accuracy was less relative. On the open ocean, this was less of a concern, but when coming into port, exactness suddenly mattered. Most ancient docks employed a simple strategy which we have used ever since, albeit with modification. The incoming boat would approach slowly and at the mouth of the dock, a rope would be thrown on either side of the boat to the shore. Two men would be waiting on either side of the dock and they would grab the ropes. These men would then proceed into the dock with the ropes. The boat would be gently guided into position thanks to the efforts of these men. Over time, these men eventually found themselves in smaller boats of their own; today we call them tugboats. Originally they were called forerunners.

Hebrews 6:19-20 – We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

The author of Hebrews mentions in this passage that Jesus is our forerunner. Understanding ancient “dock talk” helps us grasp the imagery the author was intending. We have a picture of Jesus being the one who guides us into port. We, who have been tossed around imprecisely by the sea, are now carefully led into safety.

Notice the other seafaring term used in this passage. We have an anchor of our soul which is hope. And our hope enters into the inner place behind the curtain. In the temple there were areas where only Jews could be, and areas where only men could be, and areas where only priests could be. Behind the curtain was the area known as the holy of holies: an area where only the high priest could be on one day of the year, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This area represented the presence of God. If you recall, when Jesus died on the cross, the curtain was ripped in two, from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38). The symbolism was that God’s presence was now not limited to one man on one day of the year. Now everyone had access to God. This happened because of Jesus.

Read the passage in Hebrews again. Jesus went into the area first, as our forerunner. Now, we enter in as well. We enter into that presence; that safety; that security. What carries us in? The hope that anchors us. This hope, in the Greek, means confidence or expectation.

So, my fellow Theonauts, be confident in your position. It is being safely led into the dock. Right on! Reflect on the sureness and steadfastness of your anchor.
-z

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This entry was posted by zac on Thursday, February 8th, 2007 at 7:31 am and is filed under Weekly Jib Jab. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.