17 God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. 18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Having 'fled to him for refuge. . .' Christ followers are eternally safe in the Lord. We can take this assurance on the strength of the very witness by Creation itself. God who created will also protect. That creation is so vast, so massive, so minute, and so detailed is, itself, our proof, should we need any. But it is through faith that our assurance comes. There will be arguments from those opposed to God, yet we can exercise faith and trust in God anyway.
When we look at the night sky we can trust in God. When we watch a blade of grass spring up overnight we can trust in God. When we face challenges and disasters, we can trust in God nevertheless. The Word of God-- scripture-- here echoed by The Writer to the Hebrews, assures us that there is this oath that God has 'bound himself with.' Our perfect God 'will never change his mind,' we are reminded. Also, the writer tells us that 'it is impossible for God to lie.'
Thus, we have a never-ending hope that provides 'great confidence' to us. It is a 'strong and trustworthy anchor' for us as well. It takes us to that inner place where man and God commune intimately and personally in the Lord's unconditional love and favor. All these metaphors from ancient Jewish religious tradition clearly spoke to the first century Hebraic Christians. And, today they speak to us just as strongly. Today, you and I can be completely assured that God will not desert us, nor will He reject us. He waits patiently for our complete submission and surrender and then He will retain us through whatever might come. If you will rest in this trust today you will find the peace you seek.
Your Servant in Christ's Love
Dan
drdanelliott@gmail.com
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