Acts 7:55-60; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14
Introduction
We live in a dispensation of drift. Where careers shift, relationships fracture, identities blur, anxiety rises, faith swings, xenophobia goes higher, and economies shake. Many people are asking: "What can hold me steady?
This reminds me of the theme song of the Boys' Brigade, a hymn written by Priscilla Owens: "Will your anchor hold?"
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
The Bible gives us a clear answer to the life storms of our day. Remaining firm is not in trends, subscribers, likes, applause, self-inventions, or social clubs, but Christ Jesus.
The hymnist writes;
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.
An anchor works not by being visible above water, but by gripping something deeper beneath it. To be anchored in Christ is to possess stability in chaos, identity in confusion, and courage in pressure.
Jesus once said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, cf. Exo. 33:14; Deut. 33:12; Psa. 23:4; Jer. 6:16). This rest is not in what humanity can offer or what we can create for ourselves but one that is firmly rooted in Jesus Christ.
Three points for our reflection on being anchored in Christ.
1. Anchored in Christ Gives Courage Under Pressure
In the reading from Acts 7:55–60, Stephen is being persecuted and stoned to death, yet the text says he was “full of the Holy Spirit.” The Bible clearly contrasts earthly violence with heavenly vision. While enemies rage below, Stephen sees Christ standing at God’s right hand, a standing ovation for the one who firmly remains in the storms of life. Normally Christ is described as seated at the right hand of God (cf. Mk 16:19; Lk 22:69; Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20; Col 3:1; Heb 8:1). But here He stands, an image of advocacy, welcome, and honour.
Stephen’s final words echo Jesus on the cross: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” This is not natural temperament but Christ-formed character. Being anchored in Christ means walking the path of our Master and knowing that suffering does not define who you are, only Christ does.
Beloved in Christ, campus hostility, immigration issues, persecution, online ridicule, or social isolation should not move you. Be mindful of the fact that the church is a witnessing community, not a comforting club. We gather not merely to consume ministry, but to embody courageous discipleship, reverence, discipline and self-control.
2. Anchored in Christ Gives Identity in a Fragmented World
Apostle Peter addresses believers facing marginalisation in 1 Peter 2. He uses the temple language, “living stones… built into a spiritual house.” Christ is the “living Stone” rejected by men but chosen by God.
Peter reassigns Old Testament covenant titles when he says, “chosen race,” “royal priesthood,” “holy nation,” to the multi-ethnic church. Here, he shifts what we proudly identify with, such as nationality, family, career, social class, academic prowess, etc. According to the epistle, identity is no longer grounded in ethnicity, status, or performance, but in union with Christ.
Today, many people are pressured to build identity through talent/skills, sexuality, success, finance, or popularity/followers. Peter explains that our true identity is received from God, anchored in Christ Jesus, before it is visibly ministered. The church today must recover from building an event brand to nurture a priestly people offering worship, justice, witness, and mutual care.
Without an anchor in Christ, all that we think of salvation in this life and beyond is vain, a chasing after the wind. Without Christ, identity construction comes crashing down at the least storm.
3. Anchored in Christ Gives Direction in Uncertain Times
Jesus speaks to anxious disciples before the cross in John 14. “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” The imperative assumes trouble will come, but hearts need not be ruled by it.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life” is intensely exclusive and deeply pastoral. Jesus does not merely show a way, but indicates that He is the way. He does not merely teach truth; He embodies truth. He does not merely grant life; He is life's source.
“In my Father’s house are many rooms”, assures us of eternal belonging, not mere temporary luxury. Christ prepares a future so the Christian can endure the present.
We must come to the consciousness that programmes cannot replace our presence with Christ. The Church thrive when they form disciples who know Jesus personally, think Christianly, and serve missionally.
Conclusion
If your life is anchored to popularity or trends, you will drift when ignored. If anchored to success, you will sink when you fail. If anchored to yourself, you will collapse under your own weight. But if anchored in Christ, storms may strike, yet you remain.
Stephen died being anchored in Christ. The disciples faced uncertainty in life and yet remained anchored in Christ. Now it is our turn to be anchored in Christ, grounded and firmly remain in the Saviour's love.
Friend, drop the anchor deep into Jesus Christ. He will still hold on to you.
Shalom aleikhem...
