The Bridge Over Troubled Water
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A cool rain fell intermittingly through a blaze of fall foliage as we navigated the hills and hollers to the Covered Bridge Festival in Parke County, IN. It was a memorable weekend as we took in several covered bridges and craft fairs. Many people love covered bridges – perhaps because they are considered as romantic sites by some, they certainly are rare and revered for their craftsmanship. Covered bridges were constructed to keep horses from being spooked as they pulled wagons and buggies across rivers and streams. Some bridges are engineering marvels. But whether a bridge is a complicated conveyance across a great river or a simple structure over a bubbling brook, its purpose is to safely convey people across the water. |
A most unique bridge was formed years ago. In an area of the Andes Mountains villagers would have to trek many miles to the closest water supply to get water. A closer route was found across a deep gorge. The villagers built a rickety bridge across the gorge. Many women fell to their death crossing it. One day a man, his wife, and their two children decided to risk crossing the bridge because they were desperate for water. About half-way across, a part of the decking broke and fell into the gorge below. Should they turn back or try jumping over the gaping expanse to the other side? The father had an idea. He laid his body across the hole in the bridge and had his wife and two children crawl across his body to safety. He became a human bridge. He then was able to pull himself up and jump across the hole to join his family. A few years later missionaries rebuilt the bridge saving the women villagers several hours a day walking to obtain water.
One of my favorite songs was written by Paul Simon in 1969 and was made a hit by Simon and Garfunkel – “Bridge over Troubled Water”. Whenever I hear that song I think of Jesus as being the “Bridge over Troubled Waters”. “When you’re weary, feelin’ small, When tears are in your eyes, I’ll dry them all; I’m on your side. Oh, when times get rough And friends just can’t be found, Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water I will lay me down, Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water I will lay me down. When you’re down and out, When you’re on the street, When evening falls so hard I will comfort you. I’ll take your part. Oh, when darkness comes and pain is all around, Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water I will lay me down, Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water I will lay me down.”
Jesus is the Bridge Over Troubled Water. He declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11, 17-18). “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus not only laid down his life for his friends, but for his enemies. (Romans 5:8)
Do you face troubled and turbulent waters in your life? Jesus is the Bridge Over Troubled Water. You can cross through Him to peace and everlasting life. There is no other way. Jesus made that plain. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
As The Bridge Over Troubled Water Jesus laid down His life. You can trust Him. He will “ease your mind”, spirit, and soul.
by: Cliff Sanders