Firm Footing

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here is a river in the south of France called the Gard.  Over this river there stands a large aqueduct left by the Romans.  The aqueduct is known as the Pont du Gard (the bridge of the Gard) and it is frequented by tourists from all around the world.  The aqueduct is indeed a feat of engineering, designed to carry water from a distant source and deliver it to large villages many miles away.  But the most spectacular view comes not from the base of the Pont du Gard, but from its top.

In 1983, when I visited the Pont du Gard, it was possible to walk across it.  Today, the privilege no longer exists; but when I was there visitors were greeted with a small sign written in several languages.  This sign delivered a solemn and sobering warning to all those wanting to get a closer look at the aqueduct.  The following message was emblazoned on a white panel just a few feet from the aqueduct itself:  “Warning!  Walk at your own risk.  Many people have slipped and plummeted to their deaths!” 

Not very uplifting is it?  Nonetheless, people read the sign and ventured forth to walk on top of the aqueduct, several hundred feet in the air, crossing from one side of the Gard to the other. The Pont du Gard is only wide enough for two people to walk abreast and since people travel in both directions, crossing over is somewhat of a challenge. In addition, the wind constantly blows and the hiker must maintain his balance lest he slip and fall to the river below.

I don’t know of a clearer example of the gospel than this bridge across the Gard River.  In Matthew7:14, Jesus states very clearly that there is only one way to salvation: “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.”  There were several tourists at the Pont du Gard on the day we visited. However, only a few of us ventured forth to walk on the aqueduct and cross over the river.  The way was narrow and very small but our footing was sure and we knew the aqueduct wouldn’t give way.

From that vantage point, the river posed no threat.  Its depth and rapid currents could not harm us because we were walking above it.  The river bed was actually the support for the aqueduct and kept it in place.  The wind did blow but the solid structure of the aqueduct held us up and ensured our passage would be safe as long as we walked with confidence and did not venture too far to one side or the other.

The narrow road Jesus spoke of is the same way for all those seeking to walk with God.  The way is narrow, but it rises far above the worries, cares, and pitfalls of everyday-life.  Most people stand at the base and look longingly upward, wanting ever so desperately to climb and walk above the cares of this life.  They want to have that narrow walk with God but because of fear or doubt, they never climb to the top and walk on the aqueduct.  But for those who take that step of faith and venture forth, there is no walk as exhilarating nor as rewarding, as the walk we take with God.  True, the winds of adversity continue to blow and buffet us, but we are safe as long as we keep our focus and our steps on the way ahead.

Where are you in this picture?  Are you at the base of the aqueduct, longing to walk above the cares of this life?  Do you want to accept Jesus’ call to walk and have fellowship with him?  Perhaps you are walking on the top already but the winds of adversity have frightened you and the way ahead looks long and difficult.  Wherever you are, at the top or at the bottom, please know that Jesus means for you to walk across to the other side.  Through faith in him, you can walk across that bridge and overcome the difficulties of life.  The way is not easy, and there are few who actually search for it, but for those who decide to take it, life is never the same.  Cone on up!  Jesus is waiting for you to join him on that narrow road.  He will walk with you every step of the way!