Becoming Bridge Builders
Scripture: “And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house—for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.'” Luke 16.27-28
“…but are not grieved by the ruin of Joseph! Therefore they shall now be the first of those who go into exile, and the revelry of those who stretch themselves out shall pass away.” Amos 6:6-7
Main Point: The Holy Spirit empowers us to become bridge builders, sharing the Gospel with urgency while there is still time.
The rich man’s desperate concern for his five brothers reveals something beautiful: even in torment, he cared about their eternal destiny. He understood that the chasm becomes permanent at death, so there was urgency in his request for someone to warn them.
Amos describes people who were “not grieved by the ruin of Joseph”—completely indifferent to the spiritual destruction happening around them. Their self-centered living blinded them to both temporal and eternal needs of others. But judgment was coming whether they acknowledged it or not.
The Holy Spirit works the opposite response in Christian hearts. He creates genuine concern for family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers who don’t know Christ. This isn’t merely human worry, but the Spirit’s own compassion flowing through us for souls heading toward the great chasm.
The Spirit also provides opportunities and courage for evangelism. He opens doors for Gospel conversations, gives us words to speak, and works through our faithful witness to draw others to Christ. We become the means by which God continues to build bridges for those who haven’t yet crossed from death to life.
Sometimes we think evangelism requires dramatic gestures or special gifts. But often the Spirit works through simple acts of love, authentic Christian living, and natural conversations about what Christ means to us. Our changed lives become bridges that others can see and cross.
The urgency is real—the chasm becomes permanent at death. But so is the hope: Christ has built the bridge, the Spirit empowers our witness, and God desires that none should perish but all come to repentance.
Reflection: For whom is the Holy Spirit particularly burdening your heart to pray and share the Gospel, and what opportunities might He be opening for you to be a bridge builder in their life?
Prayer: Lord, give us hearts that grieve for the lost and boldness to share Your Gospel. Use us as bridge builders in Your kingdom. In Your Holy Name we pray. Amen.
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