Sermon On A Bridge Over Troubled Water

Devon Eaton, the author of “A Book I’ll Never Write,” once remarked: "My world's an eternity of total eclipse / And I call it my personal apocalypse.” Matthew 24:29-31 reminds us: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

A personal apocalypse is considered a profound, often devastating, inner transformation where one's old self or world-view is destroyed to make way for radical personal growth, spiritual awakening, or a complete life overhaul, often triggered by trauma, illness, or deep psychological crisis. It leads to a "revelation" of truth and a new way of being. It's regarded as the destruction of an individual's inner world, much like the biblical concept of “Armageddon,” but experienced internally. In a metaphorical sense a bridge spanning these troubled waters of life may be considered a lifeline. A lifeline generally refers to something essential for preserving life, safety, or supporting continued existence.

"A Bridge Over Troubled Water" is a metaphor for hope through connection or faith. It offers steadfast support, comfort, and a path to safety during the struggles of life. Its release shines from its sight, glimmering in the rays of sunlight, like a physical bridge helps cross turbulent, "troubled" waters. It suggests a dependable presence, laying oneself down to ease another's burdens, symbolizing deep empathy, sacrifice, and unconditional friendship. It relates to God by portraying Jesus as the ultimate "bridge," a mediator and source of comfort who helps people cross life's difficulties (the "troubled waters") to reach peace and reconciliation with God, drawing parallels with scriptures about God lifting the weak, being a mediator, and offering solace in times of despair. The original song's theme by Simon and Garfunkel mirrors biblical concepts where God provides a way through hardship, much like Jesus laid down His life to bridge the gap between humanity and the Father.

John 14:1-14 is Jesus's comforting farewell discourse to His disciples, assuring them not to be troubled by His impending departure; He promises to prepare a place for them in His Father's house, return for them, and send the Holy Spirit, famously declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," meaning knowing and following Him is the only path to the Father. This passage reassures them of God's presence, their future with Him, and Jesus's unity with the Father, challenging their need for physical sight to believe by emphasizing faith in Him.

The passage reminds us: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”