In 1968, war broke out in Northern Ireland. On one side were Irish Protestants. Their opposition was Irish Catholics.
For thirty years, bombings and murders committed in the name of faith terrorized the country. It was so divisive, it split apart cities.
The River Foyle divides one such city. On one side, are Catholics and on the other are Protestants. The citizens don’t even agree about the name. Some call it Londonderry, while others insist its name is Derry. It is only one sign of the tension and strife that tore apart a small nation.
No one crossed the river…until 2011.
In that year, a unique 900-foot bridge that curves like a snake spanned the river. Architects designed it for joggers, walkers, and bicyclists. If people can cross to the other side, they may find some reconciliation.
The name of the bridge is the Peace Bridge.
We all need a bridge. God in his holiness is distant and unreachable by sinful man. So God built a bridge.
Paul describes God’s construction of his own peace bridge:
“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10)
God built a bridge that, if we will walk it through submission to his will, God welcomes us home. God’s love built the bridge for us.
Will you cross it?
-Robert G. Taylor-
