HERE is a pretty little bridge, almost cut of sight under loads of beautiful white snow. There is no water flowing under it, and I see no footprints leading across it among the frosty white trees. Barbara is a little girl who goes to school every day but she doesn’t cross the bridge. Can you guess why? All winter long, she doesn’t need it!
No, Barbara has a little path farther down which is much shorter and easier for snowy days, and although she often looks at the bridge, she finds that her own path is hard as iron and safe enough even for horses or cars to travel, although her stream is much wider and deeper than the one in our picture.
But the time came when Barbara’s path was no use any longer. After a long day’s rain, there was no pretty snow on the trees, and the ice under her feet was not to be trusted. Then Barbara walked to the bridge and crossed its solid footing without even wondering if it would hold her and her bundle of books. Of course, she came home safely and Mother was glad that she had not tried to cross the softened ice.
Do our little readers hope to go to Heaven some day? Then what path are you travelling? Have you chosen to go on your own path, as Barbara did? Her path seemed safe enough for a little while, but down underneath it all, there were rocks and swift water, and the time came when her path was no more use. I’m glad that Barbara turned to the bridge before it was too late, for others have trusted rotten ice on that very same stream, and have been drowned.
Barbara made her own little path but she did not make the bridge. Of course not. She couldn’t do it. Neither can you or I make a bridge to take ourselves to Heaven for we are sinners, every one of us, and every time we try to do right, it is like making a bridge that is too short to cross the stream. God’s Word says, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23). A bridge that is too short would be no use at all.
The Lord Jesus Christ Himself has provided the way to God the Father. it was made at the cost of His own life, tor He died on Calvary’s cross that sinners might be forgiven and safe and happy with God His Father in Heaven. He could have gone back to the Glory by His own power and in His own right, but He chose to go down into death that we might be safe in Him.
Barbara sometimes stands on the iron bridge in springtime and watches the swirling waters and chunks of ice beating against its strong pillars. She is safe on the bridge and she feels no fear, because she did not stay on the soft ice until it was too late.
What will you do, little reader? Will you stay on your own path until it is too late? I cannot tell you when it will be too late to come to Jesus, but I can surely tell you that God’s time is NOW, and if you come today because you are a lost sinner, you will be safe in Christ for all Eternity. Remember God’s Word —
Messages of the Love of God 2/15/1948