Jesus, Our Anchor
by Dean Gardner
It’s probably not news to anyone that, in the United Kingdom, there was recently a referendum to decide whether or not to remain part of the European Union. The result of the vote, by a narrow majority, was that the UK should leave, and not remain, and, if that decision is followed through, it will mean that the UK will become a fully self-governing sovereign state once again. The voting exposed deep regional divisions within the ‘not so united’ United Kingdom, and politicians have seemed lost and unable to take the lead into what are, suddenly, uncharted waters.
While praying about the cloud of uncertainty still hanging over the nation I had a picture of a ship drifting without an anchor, and also without a captain at the helm. As I thought of our verse for today, which speaks of those who’ve trusted in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour having an anchor for their soul, I remembered the account in Acts Chapter 27, of how, when the Apostle Paul was being taken to Rome by sea, the ship in which he was travelling was overtaken by a terrible storm. As the storm went on for many days and the crew and passengers lost hope for their lives, Paul stood up in their midst telling them that he’d been told by an angel of God that, even though the ship would be lost, not one of them would lose their lives.
It struck me that in the midst of the UK at this time, and perhaps in the nation where you live, people’s hearts may be sinking in a similar way. They have no anchor that is steadfast and certain in their lives, but we, as God’s people, do. Our anchor is Jesus, our Saviour and Lord. Perhaps, like Paul, we too can be a prophetic people, speaking hope to those who’re drifting in despair, and point them to the God whom we serve, and who longs to save and rescue them.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You’re the only anchor that holds true in this life and eternity. Use us Your people to speak of Your salvation in the midst of these stormy and desperate times, that many might come to know You, and find true hope and peace. In Your name we pray. Amen.
Dean Gardner worked part time in the Ellel Grange Ministry Office for four and a half years until October 2018 and is now part of the Associate teaching and ministry team. He now lives in Norfolk with his wife Gemma. In 1988 he experienced God`s amazing grace at a carol service and began a journey of restoration and healing with Jesus. He longs to continue that journey allowing God`s truth to change his own life but also to share that truth with others that they too might know Jesus for themselves.
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