Forerunner

​Forerunner

In ancient nautical times, when a large sea faring vessel intended to port a lot depended on the time of day due to the tide and also the wind direction or lack thereof.

In times of low tide or lack of a correct wind, a forerunner was used to deliver the ships anchor to a particular point where the ship wanted to be, its final destination concerning this port. The forerunner would deposit the anchor in the shallow water at that precise point. Later, the ship would haul itself in the direction of the anchor by heaving on the large cordage (rope) that connected the Ship to its Anchor.

Circa 1300, Middle English literal rendition of Latin praecursor, was used in reference to John the Baptist as the antecedent or forerunner of Jesus Christ. Later Old English had foreboda (act as a warning) and forerynel (modern “Forerunner”) as similar uses of the word and meaning.

Jesus was described as an anchor, reminding us of a boat secured by Him in a storm, or the dinghy strengthened against the drift of the tide. Jesus is that for us in eternity too, an anchor and He alone stops the drift and secures our soul. Jesus alone is seated in heaven securing our place.

So in a sense, he was the forerunner as well as an Anchor. A precursor of something more to come.

This week is a week of remembrance of Jesus as a Forerunner. Through His death and resurrection he has also become an anchor for our souls. Raised from the dead for our forgiveness, seated at the right hand of God, he secures our place in eternity. He lives to serve us in this way.
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So, where is your anchor placed?