So, there’s some roadwork going on out our way. If you travel west on Tuscarora Pike, you’ve now got a detour. To get to our house it’s an extra 5-7 minute commute to or from town, depending on the detour you take. Neither of these routes are direct, both may be longer if you run up on a tractor. One route looses cell service for about three miles (not that we should need it while driving, right?). It was projected that this roadwork would take about three months. I’m a calculator, and I’ve conservatively calculated that if I run in to town and home, just once a day, that’s an extra 14 minutes a day. That’s an extra 98 minutes a week – an extra hour and 18 minutes. Over a period of three months that’s an extra 19 and a half hours travelling into town.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining one little bit because there’s an excellent reason for the detour. The bridge is out over the Tuscarora. It is being replaced. I’m pretty sure that bridges do not get replaced for the fun of it or just to irritate us. That’s a lot of hard work and expensive big equipment for nothing. Here’s the thing…we didn’t know there was a problem with the bridge. We travelled it every day, often, and never had a clue that it might be worn. So, they’re replacing it. We hope their estimate of three months outage will be accurate and then we can stop saying — yes, Wendy, the bridge is still out – but if it takes longer, it’s way okay.
As you can see, they’re working on the most important part of the bridge right now, the foundation. Can’t you see this one coming? It’s all about the foundation.
“So why do you call me ‘Lord,” when you won’t obey me? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then obeys me. It is like a person who builds a house on a strong foundation laid upon the underlying road. When the floodwaters rise and break against the house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who listens and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will crumble into a heap of ruins.”
Luke 6:46-49
We all know how important a firm foundation is. In the case of the bridge, if there is not a firm foundation, it is very dangerous. It is no different for us, my friends. This world is tugging and pulling us. Spiritual forces much stronger than we people are at work in the world. If we do not have a firm foundation, if the Bible teachings, the mortar, is not mixed with Living Water to form a rock solid foundation, we will land right in the creek.
Bridges raise us or create a safe way above the dangers below. If our foundations are not firm, we are swimming in dangerous territory. If we are not seeking Him through his Word and through prayer, we’re in very, very dangerous territory. We must learn from the Samaritans.
“So, I the Lord, will make the city of Samaria a heap of rubble. Her streets will be plowed up for planting vineyards. I will roll the stones of her walls down into the valley below, exposing all of her foundations. All her carved images will be smashed to pieces. All her sacred treasurers will be burned up. These things were bought with the money earned by her prostitution, and they will now be carried away to pay prostitutes elsewhere.”
Micah 1:6-7
The prophecy of Micah was revealed when the Assyrians destroyed Samaria, the capital of Israel. Why was she destroyed? Because of sin, because of disobedience. Samaria’s foundation was built on itself. On false teachers, dishonest leaders, selfish motives, and idolatry.
So here’s a question to chew on…
if our foundations were exposed, what would be seen?
Have I built my foundation on God or on myself and others? It’s a tough question, but it must be answered. We cannot overcome danger and destruction if we do not have a firm foundation. If our foundation is not rooted in Him, we have no chance of living. I can’t urge you enough to be in the Bible, read it, know it, live it. Seek the only One who can give Living Water. The only One who can carry us over the rough waters.
“Your leader will break out and lead you out of exile. He will bring you through the gates of your cities of captivity, back to your own land. Your king will lead you; the Lord himself will guide you.”
Micah 2:13
If our foundation is strong, solid, if we are deeply rooted in Him, He will lead us over the bridge.