A welcome mat for every soul

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Hebrews 6: 19 - “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.”  

“You are welcome here!”  

Each spring, I enjoy picking out a new welcome mat for my back door. After the long winter months, the kind words and cheerful images on last year’s mat have faded, worn down by snow, salt, and countless footsteps until they are barely readable. Today, as I walked into Hobby Lobby, I couldn’t help but smile—right there at the entrance was a display of brand-new welcome mats, bright and inviting, waiting to be chosen.

As I slowly looked at each one, studying the words and colors, I began to think about how much those faded words on my old mat resemble the message we often see in the world around us. Just like my worn mat no longer clearly offers a welcome to visitors, it can feel as though a genuine welcome has grown faint in our culture as well. There seem to be fewer voices willing to say, “You belong here.”

I found myself watching the other shoppers and wondering: Are we truly welcoming to our neighbors, or do we prefer to keep our distance? Do we only reach out to those who think like us, vote like us, or look like us? Or have we forgotten how powerful a simple posture of welcome can be?

Unfortunately, it seems that a true “welcome mat” message is becoming rare right now. What once felt like an invitation has, in many spaces, been replaced with division. There appears to be two distinct sides to nearly every issue, with little common ground left in between. If you don’t believe the same way someone else does, you may be made to feel unwelcome.

We used to see our differences as opportunities to learn and grow. Shouldn’t we be able to hold our own opinions while still being willing to listen to another person’s perspective? Why do we assume we have it right and no one else does? Where has the common ground gone?

One thing I think we can all agree on is this: these are uncertain times.

In a world that feels increasingly divided and uncertain, it’s easy to feel unanchored — unsure of where we belong or where to stand. But Scripture reminds us that our stability was never meant to come from shared opinions or shifting circumstances. Instead, we are invited to root ourselves in something far more secure.

In Hebrews 6:19–20, we read a message that speaks directly into our daily lives, encouraging us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God’s promises rather than temporary issues or opinions. These verses give us three powerful images of Jesus that apply to everyone, no matter where we stand. They offer wisdom that brings certainty in uncertain times and truth we can stand firm on when we feel unwelcome or out of place. 

When the seas grow rough and the waves begin to rise, an anchor becomes the difference between drifting and standing firm. In the opening words of these verses, we’re reminded that Jesus is the anchor for our souls:  firm and secure. Anchors were essential for ships navigating unpredictable waters; they held vessels steady during storms and prevented them from being swept away by powerful currents.

This anchor is hope, not wishful thinking or blind optimism, but a confident expectation rooted in God’s unchanging nature and proven faithfulness. Just as an anchor grips the ocean floor and steadies a boat, our hope in Christ holds us steady when life feels unstable.

An anchor is also used to keep a vessel from drifting, even when the waters are turbulent. In the same way, Jesus sees you, knows exactly what you need, and is not going anywhere. He is holding you steady, even when the waves crash over you and the storm feels overwhelming.

While an anchor holds us steady where we are, Hebrews goes on to show us that Jesus does more than keep us from drifting, He also leads us forward. The second part of this passage tells us that Jesus is our forerunner, the One who goes ahead of us to prepare the way.

In the Old Testament, God’s presence dwelled in the tabernacle. The innermost space, known as the Holy of Holies, was separated by a heavy curtain and could only be entered once a year by the high priest, who went in on behalf of the people to make atonement for their sins. No one else was permitted to enter. That curtain stood as a barrier between God and His people, and entering it without permission meant death.

But Jesus changed everything.

As our forerunner, He went ahead of us into God’s presence, removing every obstacle that once kept us at a distance. What was once restricted became accessible. What was once guarded became open. Through His sacrifice, the curtain was torn, and the way to God was made clear, not just for a select few, but for all who would come to Him.  

When Jesus died on the cross, He tore the curtain that once separated us from God’s presence. He removed the “Do Not Enter” sign and, in its place, laid out the most beautiful welcome mat. Because of Him, we have access to God at any time; no barriers, no exclusions.

The same Jesus who anchors us in the storm is the One who leads us into the presence of God. He holds us steady and invites us forward.  We are secure, welcomed, and never alone.

The final image of Jesus we see in these verses is as our ultimate prayer warrior. Hebrews reminds us that He is our Great High Priest. In the Old Testament, once a year, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the people. He went alone, carrying the weight of the people’s sins before God. That moment was brief and limited.

But Jesus is different.

Jesus is continually before the Father, interceding on our behalf. Scripture tells us that He is our eternal guarantee and that “He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). Jesus is talking to God about you—right now. He brings your needs, your fears, your unanswered questions, and your weary heart before the Father.

And because He walked this earth fully human, He understands. He knows what it feels like to be rejected, misunderstood, tempted, tired, and overwhelmed. He faced trials just like we do, yet without sin. That means when you come to Him, you are not met with judgment or distance, but with compassion and grace.

• So here is the beautiful truth woven through all three images:
  Jesus anchors us when the storm rages.
  Jesus goes before us to prepare the way.
  Jesus stands for us, praying on our behalf.

• When the world feels unwelcoming, uncertain, or divided, we are not left to figure things out alone. Our hope is firm. Our access is open. Our advocate is faithful. And in Him, we are held, known, and never forgotten.

Do you have a welcome mat?  Has it faded? Do you need a new one?  How can you reflect God’s welcome mat in your relationships this week?