Pastor Ponderings # 189: Bridges

My neck of the woods has had some general excitement around the anticipated opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge in June of 2026. This is a 6.4 billion dollar, cable-stayed bridge featuring the longest deck span in North America. The engineering beauty connects Canada and the United States and receives its namesake from a Canadian hockey great, Gordie Howe. The structure’s two main A frames resemble a pair of hockey sticks standing at over 700 feet high. I’m personally excited to cross this bridge on my next road trip to the States.

Bridges serve to connect two places which are usually separated by difficult or unpredictable terrain. Rivers, streams, tributaries, valleys, ravines, gullies, gulches, canals, canyons, chasms and even craters have been easily transited by way of bridges. One’s world may suddenly expand with new possibilities and opportunities on account of a bridge to span a natural divide. There is, however, no engineered structure, nor human effort that has found a way to span the spiritual divide between man and his Creator.

The cavernous divide that separates us from inner peace with God has been a thorn in humanity’s side for millennia. Some have tried in vain to bridge the gap while many more have sought to smother the convicting call of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Countless resources of time and money have been poured into distraction, drugs and drink in hopes to drown out the distinct voice of hope. Just beyond this fixed gulf lies a world of possibility. A land where mental, emotional and spiritual rest is afforded. Rumors abound of those who have been there and tasted of the fabled fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. How might one reach it?

You need a bridge. Jesus bridged the gap to God by means of his crucifixion. He offers each terrestrial experience a connection to the spiritual reality of God Himself. The pathway is provided but appropriated only by those who individually surrender themselves and walk across into eternal life.

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

Many modern bridges marvel us by reaching new heights, spanning ever greater distances and demonstrating increasing cleverer design. Yet only one has succeeded in closing the gap to God and there is no other. Jesus is the only means to bring eternity into reach for believers.

Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

God has long been patience for you. He has wooed you toward the truth and you have resisted Him. You have, with great desire, longed for the promised blessings across the bridge which no man can build himself. The bridge which has been built by Christ is an invitation to die so you might live. Isn’t it time to see what this new world provides? Choose life and thank God for bridges.