Tuesday 18 January 2011

Background

In the Temple of Jerusalem there were communal areas orcourtyards where everyone could be present. There were also otherareas that only men could enter, and some areas where only thepriests could be admitted. The 'holy of holies' was the innershrine or sanctuary of the Tabernacle and only one person, the highpriest, could enter. This happened once a year on Yom Kippur (theday of Atonement, when Jews repent and atone for theirsins). 

In the first temple the Ark of the Covenant was kept in the holy ofholies and it contained the Ten Commandments given by God to Mosesand the Israelites at Mount Sinai. The inner shrine or sanctuarywas separated from the rest of the temple by a curtain. 

The writer is convinced that in Jesus we meet someone whoserelationship with God allows him to enter into the presence of Godnot once a year but constantly. This ease of entering and remainingin God's presence which that Jesus brings, creates hope for allhumanity. The writer describes this hope as being like an anchorwhich keeps a boat or even a large ship safe and steady duringstorms. Just as an anchor can hold a boat safe and sure during astorm, preventing it from being damaged or lost at sea or drivenoff its course, so Jesus keeps us safe and sure from destruction.This is not a promise or hope of an easy life - free from storms.It is however a conviction that we will not be lost ordestroyed. 

The writer is convinced this hope comes from the intimaterelationship Jesus has with God. The hope offered to us is thatJesus is leading the way - and we can follow. 

To Ponder

What or who is it that keeps us safe fromdestruction?

What comforts us and what disturbs us about theidea of being able to enter the inner shrine of God's presence?

What is the difference between hope and wishfulthinking?How do we know? Does it matter?