The Forerunner
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. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Heb. 6:19-20 NIV.
As a senior climbing guide for Ascend, one of my most important duties is to go ahead of groups and set climbing anchors for them. This is a part of my job that I take very seriously, and have undertaken a great deal of training and practice to be able to make sure I get it right every time. If anchors are not constructed properly and there is an anchor failure, someone could get badly hurt. Our participants can climb with confidence because they trust in the anchors we have set.
The writer of Hebrews tells us that Jesus went before us as a forerunner into the very inner sanctuary of the heavenly temple. This is such a beautiful picture of what Christ has done for us. The Greek word prodomos which we translate as “forerunner,” typically is used to describe a solider who goes ahead of the main force to scout and prepare the way. These light troops were strategically crucial and could often be the deciding factor of a battle.
When Jesus died on Calvary He went before us to prepare a way for us to enter the very throne room of the Heavenly Father. He took on the risk and bore our sin and shame so that we wouldn’t have to. He set a secure anchor for us so that we can follow Him in all confidence, knowing that even if we slip He will not let us fall.
This past weekend I had the chance to share this powerful metaphor with 15 youth from a local church after a climbing trip. It was such a joy to share the Gospel and help them to better understand in a unique way what an incredible Savior we have in Jesus. It is my prayer that you too will truly understand the depth of what Christ has done for you, that you will be able to climb through the trials of this life knowing that Jesus has already overcome our greatest enemies; sin and death. Because of His triumph, nothing life will throw at you can overcome you. We are more than conquerors when we place our trust in Christ Jesus.
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