In our town, several bridges connect the Buckeye state of Ohio and the Blue Grass State of Kentucky. Among the numerous bridges are:
- The pedestrian-only Purple people bridge.
- The Brent Spence Bridge.
- The John R. Roebling Suspension bridge.
- The Daniel Carter Beard (lovingly known as the “Big Mac” bridge).
A bridge closed due to an accident or repair creates a breach in the traffic flow. Carefully laid out plans to arrive at our destinations at a specific time based on the familiar route are altered. We deal with total cessation of the commute, detours, and orange barrels for a few hours or several months.
Like the physical bridges that connect Ohio and Kentucky, there are spiritual bridges that connect people to God and one another.
Calvary’s cross, the iconic symbol of grace and love, is the bridge of hope for all humanity. Without Christ’s willingness to lay down his life, the ultimate sacrifice that paid for the sin of all, the breach between God and man would be unrepairable. Without Christ suffering death, the path to kingdom life is blocked. Without His work, we would remain in darkness. I love the words of the Apostle Paul to the church of Colossae.
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Sin, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin” (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV).
The unshakable foundation of God giving of His Son is love. One of the most quoted scriptures is in John’s gospel, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV).
Only in Christ is the breach between humanity and God repaired. Christ’s work at the cross and the power of His Spirit is the reconciling connector and source of unity and peace between God the creator and man the created.
Perhaps you have reached a season of orange barrels, delays, and the total cessation of the life with which you are familiar. It may be because God is directing you to take a different route. He wants to be your God, He is faithful, and you can trust Him. Jesus Christ can help you find your way if you feel lost and frustrated.
I leave you to ponder these two passages of scripture.
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5, ESV).
“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:25-26, ESV).
Blessings
Phyllis