The list of wicked deeds in the news seems very long lately. A shooting at a concert in Las Vegas. A shooting at a church in Texas. Terrorists trying to drive into and harm as many civilians as they can. Even in our little community in Cullowhee, we have two recent shootings, one fatal. Celebrities are called out for sexual assault, opening a flood of accusations. Never mind the everyday wickedness we all face of being cheated, lied to, put down, or in some other way sinned against. It is heartbreaking and frustrating.
On top of these, is the sin in ourselves. This is the part we hate the most, or ignore the most, or perhaps both. We, in our anger, pride, lust, greed, and other forms of selfishness do as we wish.
All these together can be overwhelming. The darkness seems so great. What can we do against the evil without and within?
Our pastor gave a timely sermon on Sunday from
Hebrews 6:13-20 on hope. First, we flee for refuge to our God who can save (v. 18). Second, we must remember we have an anchor for our souls - Christ himself (v. 19). This anchor is secured in God, who is "behind the curtain."
That is what we do when we are overwhelmed and hopeless, as if in a boat in a storm. Flee to Christ, believe the Gospel, and know you have a sure anchor for your soul.
John 16:33 says "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." We are not promised perfect happiness, wealth, or health in this life. We are promised tribulation. However, we are also promised that our anchor has overcome the world. Flee to Christ, trust in him as your secure anchor, and trust that those of us who are in Christ are secure until the end.
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