BRIDGE BUILDERS – Week 4 Devotions (with Scripture)

Monday, October 27, 2025 – Read Matthew 27:50-51 - “50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”

The curtain that separated the holy place from the holy of holies in temple represented the barrier that exists between God and man because of sin. Prior to Jesus’ death, that barrier could only be crossed once a year on the “day of atonement” when the high priest would sprinkle sacrificial blood on the Ark of the Covenant to make amends for our sins. But Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross broke that barrier once and for all. The curtain was torn from top to bottom demonstrating that we now have direct access to God through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ!

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - Read John 4:4-9 - 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.

The exchange between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well started with Jesus having “to go through Samaria.” Technically, he could have gone around Samaria like all other Jews of His day. But to break down the cultural barriers between the Jews and the Samaritans, Jesus knew that he “had to go through Samaria.” Where or what do you have to “go through” to break down the cultural barriers in our community today?

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 - Read Luke 2:27-33 - When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

Even as an infant, Jesus’ destiny as the Savior of the world was revealed. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, Simeon proclaimed that this child would be a light for the Gentiles (non-Jews), so that God’s salvation may reach to the ends of the earth (See Isaiah 49:6). Rescuing all men from the curse of sin was God’s plan from the very beginning and it is through Jesus Christ that the “dividing wall of hostility” between Jews and Gentiles has been destroyed and that both groups have been made one in Him. Let’s celebrate such great salvation.
 
Thursday, October 30, 2025 - Read Colossians 3:11 - Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Through Jesus Christ the barriers of race, religion and color have been obliterated. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, His Spirit inhabits our spirit making us children of God and brothers and sisters with people from all over the world who have done the exact same thing. When Christ is all and is in all – there is no longer any room for division and discord – no matter who you are, where you come from, or what position in society you hold. Will you join Jesus today in tearing down the walls that divide and begin building bridges of unity with everyone who crosses your path.

Friday, October 24, 2025 - Read Romans 13:1-2 - Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

One of the greatest barriers in our nation today is politics. Some put their trust in the donkey. Others in the elephant. But the Bible commands to trust the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. If God establishes those who hold positions of power and authority, who are we to question His purposes and plans. Rather than rebelling against the opposing party, let’s start praying for those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. For this is good and pleases God our Savior. (see 1 Timothy 2:1-3).