Message: The Perpetual Bridge of God's Love (05/24/'24)

Message: The Perpetual Bridge of God's Love Dear Beloved, In the vast expanse of God's presence, the greatest illusion we face is the sense of separation. The story of the Prodigal Son, as told in the Gospel of Luke (15:11-32), illustrates this profound truth. The second son, once lost and homeless, returns home, welcomed with open arms by his loving father. This journey of repentance transforms him, and he finds his place once more in the embrace of grace. However, the elder son, despite never leaving, finds himself feeling estranged and homeless in his own heart. His struggle with resentment and justice blinds him to the continuous love and presence of the Father, who bears the cross between His sons, reminding us of His unending grace and reconciliation. This parable is not just a story of the past but a living testament of the Gospel of Jesus Christ today. It reflects the reality we see in our world, where nearly sixty percent of the homeless are baptized Christians. The illusion of separation persists, but the truth remains: in God's presence, no one is ever truly homeless. The cross stands as the perpetual bridge, inviting every heart to come home, to find rest and belonging in the Divine embrace. We are reminded through this parable and its poetic retelling in "The Perpetual Bridge," that God's love is a bridge spanning the deepest chasms, inviting us to awaken from the illusions that separate us. His call is clear: "All that I have is yours." Let us come home to His loving hand, finding rest and everlasting shine in His embrace. With love and grace, Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 24, 2024)