Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ and children of God.

Some of you might remember an old 80’s romantic-comedy TV show called The Love Boat. It had a steady cast as the crew members aboard a giant cruise liner. They would have guest stars as the passengers, so each week would have different guests. Most of the time, the stories were about relationships and how they encountered a breakup or struggle in the relationship, but by the end they would find love for each other. It might be a husband and wife, or boyfriend and girlfriend, or children and parents, but there was always a conflict in the relationship that would cause the disaster and then be mended by the end of the show.

One of my favorite scenes was at the beginning or at the end. At the beginning, they would raise the big anchor so they could launch, and at the end they would drop the anchor so the ship would not move. The anchor had to be really big to hold the ship in place. The purpose of an anchor is to keep the ship from drifting away during storms or rough waves and wind.

The author of Hebrews had this to say in chapter 6, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.” (Hebrews 6:19). The believer’s hope in Christ is like an anchor. It sits firmly and does not allow the storms or waves and wind of life to waver the believer off course, but grounds him in the presence of the Almighty.

Another interesting word in this passage is the word “forerunner”. In the days of Jesus, and more specifically this passage, which includes the nautical word “anchor”, the word “forerunner” was a small vessel or boat that was used to deliver an anchor to a specific location in shallow water before a larger ship arrived. It was common for the forerunner to position itself in the correct spot, drop the anchor, and then prepare the way for the larger ship to follow. The picture, of course, that comes to mind is that of John the Baptist as the forerunner for Christ. However, it can also be seen as Christ is the forerunner for us to follow him and be anchored to him during the storms of our lives.

A forerunner today would be seen as a person who comes before and helps set the stage for what is to come, often acting as an early model, influence, or warning sign. Does this also sound like Jesus? Is he not a role model for us to follow? Should he not influence us? Does he not give us a warning sign to change our ways and repent of our sins?

Jesus is not only our forerunner who has gone before us and has made a way for us through his death, burial, and resurrection; he is also our anchor in the storms. He is tethered to us and keeps us grounded and safe from the waves. He is our Hope, anchored for the soul, firm and secure.

Because we did not have children’s church last week, we will explore the story of two brothers this week. The lambs will investigate the story of Jacob and Esau to answer the question, “Are they real or a fairy tale”? By seeking historical, archaeological, and biblical evidence, they will find the truth.

I look forward to worshiping our Lord and Savior with you through songs of praise and dancing before our Forerunner. If for whatever reason I do not see you tomorrow, may the Lord bless you with joy, peace, and a calmness beyond all measure, and may He comfort you, protect you, and guide you on your journey.

Join us for service this week at New Day Christian Church of Las Vegas. We meet at 10AM in the sanctuary downstairs. Children’s church meets upstairs, you can drop your kids at 9:45. Youth group attends worship and then goes to youth group after.

God bless you,

Your brother in Christ,

Michael (aka Mr. Michael)