Horsepasture River is an eighteen-mile wild and scenic river that begins in Jackson County, North Carolina, meanders through the Jocassee Gorges, and ends by dumping into Lake Jocassee. The river features several predominant waterfalls in close proximity to one another. Also significant is the bridge that spans it.

My daughter and I first encountered the river while on a five-day backpacking hike on the Foothills Trail. After spending the night by Bear Creek, we soon caught our first glimpse of this impressive body of water. Even more astounding was the 115-foot wooden bridge that spanned it. We walked across in awe and were also thankful that someone had built the bridge so that we wouldn't have to ford this by swimming — which I couldn't have done — or with a boat — which we didn't have. The bridge also makes it easier to reach the continuation of the trail on the other side.

2 Corinthians 5:19 – For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. (NLT)

God built a bridge to humanity in Christ. Jesus proclaimed that He was the only way to the Father. When we approached Horsepasture River, we could have chosen to take the bridge, swim, or boat across. But the way to God only has one route. Sin fashioned the gap; Christ sealed the distance and built a bridge through His death and resurrection.

Just knowing about God's bridge isn't sufficient, however. I must march over it. We could have stood and admired the wooden bridge, but that wouldn't have transported us to the other side. Neither will simply knowing what Jesus accomplished on my behalf.

Now that I've crossed Christ's bridge to God, it's my responsibility to praise Him for building the bridge. Without His effort, I'd be eternally lost. And since I've crossed to the other side, I should also count it a privilege to share the story of God's bridge with others.

Have you discovered God's bridge? Are you sharing the good news with others?

Prayer: Thank You, Eternal Father for building a bridge that allows us access to You. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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