A BETTER HOPE

 

Saturday, May 18, 2024

 

A BETTER HOPE

 

Reading: Hebrews 6:13-20

 

Heb 6:17-19

17 Where in God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

 

          The writer of Hebrews recognized in himself and in his readers troubling elements of doubt, so he addressed the topic with these words. In these verses he uses multiple images of hope.

 

          In verse seventeen he uses the word “promise” which is the Greek word apaggelia which indicates an announcement; a pledge; specifically of divine assurance of good. This word calls upon us to believe what God said was, and still is, true.

 

          If a promise was insufficient, God then confirmed it with an oath. This word is the Greek word herkos which indicates a restraint or a boundary line. This calls to mind a negotiated peace treaty. God restrains Himself within a boundary line which He will not cross.

 

          This is a strong consolation for the doubters. It is based upon two immutable [unchangeable] things, the promise, and the oath. The writer then gives an added assurance, especially to the Jews, when he says that this hope rests securely upon the mercy seat which resides within the veil. It is protected between two cherubs, upon a platform of gold which is sprinkled with blood. Within that sacred chest are symbols of God’s intervention and care, the two tablets of law for guidance, a pot of manna for provision, and Aaron’s rod that budded for life.

 

Lord, when I doubt, I do so against strong evidence of your faithfulness. Give me the wisdom to trust you today. AMEN