Dreamed about for over a century, talked about for decades, the fixed link to connect Prince Edward Island with the rest of the continent is taking shape. At a staggering cost of a billion dollars, thousands of workers are linking the tiny tourism island, the home of Green Gables, with the rest of Canada. Cradled in the waves, the Island with its red soil, rolling hills and white beaches, is separated from the mainland by 14 kilometers of water. In winter, powerful currents push heavy ice up thru the strait with crushing force.
Some said, “It can’t be done; no structure could ever survive the powerful ice flows, currents, wind and salt water.” Others said the price was far too high to give just 130,000 Islanders a permanent link with the mainland. Many believed the separation was an impediment to prosperity, while others resisted the “link” because they were content with life just as they knew it.
With government support of the mega-project, engineering students from around the world, travel to the breathtaking site to observe the construction of the “fixed link”. Awe-struck, they return to their universities having witnessed the first of its kind in the world. Excitement grows as the awesome bridge becomes a reality in 1997, with the separation at long last fully spanned.
Water separates an island from the mainland. Sin separates us from God. Have you wondered why God seems so far away or why you seem so unconnected with Him? When you want Him, where is He? Why is there a big barrier between you and God? When you want Him, where is He? Does He only exist on the other side?
The Bible says that God is there; He is able to save and His ears are able to hear; “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God” (Isa 59:2). There is a deep gulf, a wider chasm of sins between you and your God.
Honest people agree with the Bible and admit that beneath a veneer of goodness, they are, at the core, sinners. Our words and actions in public expose us, but more often, what we do in private is the “real” us. Worse still are the thoughts we would be embarrassed to share with anyone. Where do they come from? Jesus answered, “from within” (Mark 7:21-23). Although disputed by many, the conclusion is clear and unequivocal, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
Society no longer labels much of today’s behavior and activities as “sin”, but God’s holy standards have never changed. He is not swayed by popular opinion. What was sin 100 years ago is sin by His Book today He is the Book-keeper. Ultimately you are accountable to Him. With every passing day, you reinforce the separation between you and God.
Perhaps like some Islanders you are content to live just the way you have been living. Or maybe you crave to be close to God, longing to have nothing separating you from Him. You could sleep much better, knowing that to be right with God will bring you peace and security.
Have you tried to narrow the separation by living better? Have you tried to build a bridge to God by cleaning up your act? No amount of engineering or effort on your part can bridge the gulf between you and God (Eph 2:8,9). On our own, we are helpless.
The good news is, “When we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly ” (Rom 5:6). The only One who can bridge the gulf is God’s Son, the Lord Jesus. “There is one God and One mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus’ who gave Himself” (1 Tim 2:5,6).
A billion dollars might be a big price tag to build a bridge for just 130,000 Islanders. But who can measure the cost of providing the Link between God and sinners?
Beyond the spit, the nails, the thorns, and the shame, God’s purpose in the cross was to place upon His innocent and perfect Son, the sins of a guilty world. The judgment our sins deserve fell upon the Lord Jesus. He took the sinner’s place and suffered in the sinners stead. From the cross He exclaimed, “It is finished”. The costly link between sinners and God was completed, perfectly finished.
Jesus opened up the way to God that we closed off by sin. Only on the basis of what He did at Calvary can you be accepted by God. Stop trying to build your own link to God and just accept Him as your Saviour. Jesus said, “I am the Way… no man cometh to the Father but by me” (John 14:6). He is the Only Link that can connect you with God. Without Him, you will ho separated from God in time and throughout eternity.
