The Pastor’s Blog – THAT OLD BRIDGE
They tell me that the city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is known as the city of bridges. The city was built along the North Saskatchewan River, and many bridges were necessary to connect the various parts of the city. As you look down the river you can see one bridge after another gracefully spanning the valley carved by the flowing water.
As we approached this bridge I could see it was quite old, and very solid. The gracefully arches of concrete planted on solid pedestals looked like the aqueducts of the Romans that seem to last forever. The traffic safely flowed on the road that it supported, while pedestrians made their way along the sides.
I approached the bridge and noticed that its beauty was marred by graffiti, and vandalism. Chunks of concrete were chipped out of the pillars, spray painted messages marred the surface of the walls, and garbage was strewn all around the bridge. I was saddened by the blatant signs of disrespect for the bridge.
As I looked at that bridge I was reminded that Jesus is often referred to as our bridge to God. He is “the way, the truth and the life, the only way to the Father” (John 14:6). 1 Timothy 2:5 says “Jesus is our Mediator,” which means he is the one who bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.
Despite the fact that Jesus makes a way for us to come to God – a solid, safe, beautiful path – many people reject the Way. They hurl abuse at the name of Jesus, using his name for cursing and not blessing. They attack the Bridge, striking out and marring the image of Christ with their words and deeds. Nonetheless, the Bridge stands. In fact, the story ends with Satan unleashing all his fury against the Bridge, believing he can bring it down. But when all is done, Satan is the one defeated and the Bridge still stands. God’s way of mercy and grace cannot be destroyed by Satan.
Thank God for the Bridge, who is Jesus Christ, who made a way for sinners such as myself to come into the presence of a Holy God, today, and for all eternity. I thank God that nothing will destroy that Bridge and separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus! Thank you Jesus for making a way to the Father for us.
– Pastor Gary