LIVING BRIDGES

LIVING BRIDGES

READ:

Jeremiah 17:5-10

Blessed is the man who trusts

in the LORD.  –Jeremiah 17:7

People who live in Cherrapunji, India, have developed a unique way to get across the many rivers and streams in their land.  They grow bridges from the roots of rubber trees.  These “living bridges” take between 10 to 15 years to mature, but once they are established, they are extremely stable and last for hundreds of years.

The Bible compares a person who trusts in God to “a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river” (Jeremiah 17:8).  Because its roots are well-nourished, this tree survives soaring temperatures.  And during drought it continues to yield fruit.  

Like a firmly rooted tree, people who rely on God have a sense of stability and vitality despite the worst circumstances.  In contrast, people who place their trust in other humans often live with a sense of instability.  The Bible compares them to desert shrubs that are frequently malnourished and stand alone (v.6).  So it is with the spiritual lives of people who forsake God.

Where are our roots?  Are we rooted in Jesus? (Colossians 2:7).  Are we a bridge that leads others to Him?  If we know Christ, we can testify to this truth:  Blessed are those who trust in the Lord (Jeremiah 17:7). –Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Jesus is all the world to me,

My life, my joy, my all;

He is my strength from day to day,

Without Him I would fall. – Thompson

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Even strong trials cannot blow down

a person who is rooted in God.

INSIGHT

The heart is the very basis of character, including the mind and will.  Because of our sinful nature, the “heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” Jeremiah 17:9).  Jeremiah debunked the popular belief that people are basically good (cf. Job 25:4, Psalm 51:5).  That God examines and test the heart is the consistent teaching of Scripture (1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 2 Chronicles 6:30; Psalm 139:1-2; Jeremiah 11:20; Romans 8:27; Hebrews 4:12-13).  Although we might try to hide our innermost thoughts and motives from others, God sees.  He alone knows the true character of every person.  God searches and knows us, but loves us despite our inherent sinfulness.

Have a blessed evening and weekend.

God Our Creator’s Love Always

Unity & Peace