Theme: We are God’s Bridge!
On July 16th, 2005, the Arthur Ravenal Bridge was christened, connecting Charleston with Mt. Pleasant in South Carolina. It was, and remains, a beautiful bridge, spanning about thirteen thousand feet, with eight lanes, and accommodations for bikes, pedestrians, cars and trucks. The bridge stands 575 feet high, is high enough from the river to allow any size ship to pass under, and its cable-stayed design can withstand ship collisions as well as hurricanes and other natural events.
On July 9 and 10,2005, over 50,000 people visited the bridge for an open house event and had the opportunity to walk on the bridge for the first time. Other events included a black-tie gala fundraiser held on the bridge, an official bridge lighting ceremony, a mile-long display of fireworks across the Cooper River, and a dedication ceremony.
Almost 19 years later, the bridge is one of the most recognizable features in the city and popular with locals and visitors alike. Over 80,000 cars and hundreds of walkers, runners, and cyclists cross the bridge daily.
As Pastor Dan pointed out so well this past Sunday, we too are bridges, constructed in our Designer’s image and dedicated/anointed for a purpose. Through the Designer’s power we have the ability to withstand all attacks, as we span the distance between Heaven and Earth and eternity and time, being the means for all to pass from one side to the other according to His purpose.
The plaque of dedication for each of us reads, “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” – 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV
As God’s anointed bridges we see people come across us and under us from varied backgrounds and circumstances. Like the Ravenal Bridge, where some cross on foot, some on bikes, others in cars or trucks, and some beneath her protection in boats and ships, we too are equipped to allow all to use us as the way from where they begin to our Creator and Heaven.
And when we are too old to continue our purpose, the Master Architect will design, anoint, and dedicate new bridges to continue His mission, as those who designed the Ravenal Bridge to replace the older John P. Grace Memorial Bridge. Each has a purpose for a time, so we too have a purpose for our time.
There is no greater purpose than to be used by our Master Builder for the exact mission we were designed for. Not all bridges look alike, nor have the same purpose. Just as Scripture teaches us, we are all one body, but each with a unique role, as some are noses, while other’s arms or feet. Within our unique design and mission, however, WE ARE ALL BRIDGES, linking all those seeking to cross, stealing a title of a famous movie, “From Here to Eternity.”
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Prayer
Father, how amazing it is that I, who have done nothing to deserve it, have been anointed and dedicated by you to be your bridge here on earth, useful for those seeking you to cross from here to you and from death to eternal life. Father, please give me contentment in being the bridge you specifically designed me to be and grant me the power to withstand all storms and attacks until you choose to bring me home and replace me with a bridge for that time and place. Thank you, Father, for designing me, building me and anointing me for your glorious purpose. In Christ’s Name I pray. Amen!
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