During the first century the Roman Empire built harbors along the Palestine coast. Some were built far out into the ocean and had large walls to keep the strong ocean waves from moving the ships around in the harbor. These ports were so constructed that there was only one or two ways to get into the harbor. When the ocean was calm it was relatively easy for the ship to sail right into the port. But if the ocean was stormy, the large waves could make it hard for even a seasoned captain to get into port.

The sailors sometimes had to drop anchor and let the anchor secure the ship in place. Then they could use sails or oars to get the ship going in the right direction into the port. Once inside the harbor, the large sea walls kept the water calm and the waves could do no more damage.

The Bible says, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” (Hebrews 2:1). The words translated “let them slip” are sailors’ terms. They mean letting the ship slip past the point where it is supposed to stop. And the words translated “more earnest heed” were used by the sailors to talk about letting down an anchor.

God has given us in the Bible all the instructions we need to get to heaven (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16,17), but we have to use it wisely (2 Timothy 2:15). If we do not drop our spiritual anchor into the Word, then we may miss the spiritual harbor of salvation. The storms of life may sweep us past the harbor of safety. The harbor does not move. It is built solid. It does not pass us by, we pass it by. If we miss it, it is our fault. Once in the harbor, we must keep the anchor firm in the Word. - adapted from Wisdom’s Corner

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him” - Hebrews 2:1-3