Our covered bridge

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life (John 5:24).

There is something special about a covered bridge.  Have you ever seen one?  In Wisconsin where I grew up, there are quite a few that still exist.

Bridges are as old as man’s need to travel.  Trying to cross a river is slow and dangerous—a strong current can quickly turn one misstep into tragedy.  Crossing by ferry is safer, but still very time consuming.  Bridges are the best way to get across dangerous territory.

But even a bridge can be dangerous when slippery.  That’s why, in states that have snowy winters, some bridges used to be enclosed.  Having a roof and side walls kept a bridge clear of snow and ice back in the days when snow plows didn’t exist.  Covered bridges offered maximum safety for people trying to make a dangerous crossing.

We all have a dangerous crossing to make—the crossing from this life into the next.  Death is a river that, sooner or later, sweeps everyone away.  Death is a deep river—you cannot wade into it and keep your head above water.  Death is a wide river—standing at its edge, we cannot see why lies beyond.  Death is a cold river—just touching it numbs your body and makes it hard to think clearly.  And death is a fast moving river—it only takes a few minutes of immersion to sweep you away from any hope of rescue.

As terrible as death is, there is something wonderful that lies beyond it—a magnificent city built by God for His people. It is a place of never ending Sonshine, forever warmed with His love.  It is a land of peace and happiness and everlasting contentment.  But how do we get there?  How can we safely cross the river of death that separates us from God’s beautiful place of rest?

Jesus is our covered bridge.  He alone spans the terrifying gulf that lies between us and the kingdom of heaven.  Christ bridged the gap with His own life and death, staking a claim of love on the people of earth and overcoming death by safely passing through it to rise from the grave.  He has provided a safe passage over the cold, dark current that would otherwise sweep us away forever.  And when we are called to make that crossing, we do so safe in the shelter of Jesus’ comforting arms.