BRIDGES – NEWSPAPER ARTICLE FOR 6/3/20

        In 1869 construction on the largest and first steel suspension bridge ever built to that time began over the East River to connect the cities of New York and Brooklyn.  The bridge was designed by John Roebling, who had successfully bridged the Niagra Gorge at Niagra Falls and the Ohio River at Cincinnati.  Before construction began, he was fatally wounded, and his son Washington took over as chief engineer.  The bridge spanned 1, 595 feet and was completed fourteen years later.  Washington’s wife Emily was given the first ride over the bridge, and within 24 hours 250,000 walked across the new bridge.

        “Words from Above” in the Bible tell us about what it calls “a great gulf” between heaven and hell that cannot be bridged.  Jesus spoke about it in Luke 16 when He told the story of a rich man and a beggar whose name was Lazarus.  The rich man was clothed in purple and fine linen, and enjoyed a wealthy lifestyle.  The beggar was laid daily at the gate of the rich man’s estate and suffered from sores covering his body.  He hoped to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table, and the dogs came to lick his sores.

        The beggar died and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom.  The rich man also died and was buried, and in the torments of hell he lifted up his eyes and saw Lazarus afar off in the bosom of Abraham.  He cried out to Abraham to send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool his tongue, because he was tormented in flames of fire.  Abraham reminded him that in his lifetime he had enjoyed the good things of life, whereas Lazarus suffered evil things.  He pointed out to the rich man that now he was being tormented, but Lazarus was being comforted.  Finally, Abraham told the rich man that there was a great gulf between them and that it was impossible to pass over it.

        The Bible also speaks of another great gap, one that exists between the God of heaven, and mankind whom He created.  Fortunately for us, we are told in I Timothy 2 that God desires for all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  The apostle Paul told Timothy in verse 5 that “there is one God, and one mediator between and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all.”  Jesus bridged the greatest of all gaps by sacrificing His life on a Roman cross to purchase our salvation and to make possible a connection between God and man.

        Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.