There was One who set out to bridge a divide

The canyon was deep and the gap was wide
The bridge would be built to stand firm forever
To those who would cross, a life changing endeavour
The build however was not without sacrifice
Blood, sweat, and tears before the ultimate price
The final task to hang from a dangerously high ridge
The Builder, outstretched on a crossbeam of the bridge

With the swing of a hammer into the finishing nail
The Builder would fall, letting out a final exhale
As He descended down to the deep valley below,
The bridge would be cast under a dark shadow

All hope seemed but lost, until the dust settled down

Revealing a mystery… the fallen Builder, not found

And with that, the Sun would rise to start a new day
And make clear the Bridge for all seeking The Way

We are all builders…

Yet, there was One who first built for us to lay the foundation

Like a bridge over the most troubling of waters, He laid himself down to complete it. But what was it about this gap that demanded such devotion and sacrifice? Surely an act that is worth our attention.

While this first bridge was and is the most significant one we could ever cross, there is a need for many smaller bridges to help us along our way; a need which we must carry out in honour of the One who first built for us. As it says in 1 John 3:16 ‘…He laid down His life for us, and so we must lay down ourselves for our brothers.‘

What is the Bridge? 
All of us men will face gaps throughout our lives. These are the moments of disconnect and uncertainty, the difficult decisions we face and the positions we take on the things that matter most. When we face these divides, we are in need of a bridge or way to move forward and avoid the deadly drop below which all are at risk of falling into.

Each bridge will look different depending on the need. Some as basic and practical as a log rolled across a stream which may only be crossed once; While others designed and engineered to meet the needs of many for great lengths of time. Regardless of the size or complexity, workers and crews will be needed to make these connections. The question is, are we willing to put it all on the line to make a way for others?
When faced with these chasms, of course there is the option to turn around and head back to the familiar places we have have come to accept in our lives. Sadly, many will do just that; proudly or fearfully refusing to continue on as they believe there is nothing worth pursuing on the other side. However, there will be others who genuinely desire a safe method to cross and discover higher ground. For them we are called to make a way; laying down bridges and ourselves as John 15:13 teaches us… ‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another’

To traverse any divide is a powerful and transforming experience for a man. It will humble us, as we realize our dependence and need for others. It will also reveal great truths to us about the place we are departing and why we so desperately need a new land to set down roots.

And so, while we must build bridges… We also must cross them; understanding it is only here where we will encounter the One who gave up His life to make the way for us. You see, He could not be found in the valley below because He stands on high with an outstretched hand for all who will come and step out in faith onto the Bridge…the place where we begin our…

Core Labour