Lesson 143: "Bridge Over Troubled Waters"

Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas --

With miracles unceasing, I attended the Battle of Barbourville that was held at a new location that was picture perfect. Once again I was privileged to be with my family of fellow reenactors that have embraced me as their own. The weather was grand, encouraging the spectators to come. And they did, in droves! All the usual events took place from having sutlers, portraits, food, skits, presentations, meet the generals, artillery demonstrations, infantry drill, music by Bill and Carla Coleman performing their original play entitled, “The Haunting War”, and of course the reenactment. After the battle, a ‘pass in review occurred and this theme was to honor God, and Country. The Master of Ceremonies asked if there were any veterans in the crowd and a volunteer was asked to come out and lead the volley. With tears representing the love of his country he gave the command to fire. The MC then reminded the audience that men and women were still overseas fighting for the sake of freedom. The final volley was given to honor the Founder of the Feast and Lord of Hosts. All stations and events were grand but paled in comparison to the Church service on Sunday. 

As I walked around the camps paying my respects and sampling some of the wondrous cooking, I happened upon the men of the 19^th Tennessee Infantry. They were getting ready for church service and I asked if I could attend as well. They were delighted and offered me a chair. Now the 19^th is noted for having three chaplains and Guy was the one speaking today. He talked of being Bold in Christ and shared his experience at a Ryan’s restaurant. He stated as he was in line, a lady started talking to him and said, “My husband was saved a couple of weeks ago.” And then she went on to ask him if he knew the Lord Jesus. He said that it was like a revival while in line. Talking about being bold! She was not ashamed of her Jesus. She wanted all to know Him. Several stood up and offered their heartfelt testimony, as the spirit moved among the people.

After their service, I invited them to the 11:00 worship and several of them stated that they would be there. As always true to their word, they arrived. And I knew something wondrous was about to happen. The congregation continued to come in and began noting that there was something different going on by the bridge located by the pond. For this service offered the chaplains, all chaplains an opportunity to speak. One would stand and say a few words and then the other chaplain would build upon the former’s message. The impromptu sermons were perfectly orchestrated by the Touch of the Master’s Hand. One of the 19^th parsons stood and noted the bridge behind him. He reflected upon the verses that say the road is narrow to heaven but broad to hell and told that Jesus Christ was the bridge over troubled waters. The people listened in all as the chaplains talked about that resurrection morn, when those in Christ will be called. 

Containing himself no longer, the Captain of the 19^th jumped up (I was trying to get up but the leg had given out for good reason-this was his day to lead the charge) and shouted, “I can’t wait any longer, I am crossing that bridge into paradise!” and took off at a near-gallop. Everyone got up and started walking. As their foot touched the bridge and the sound of their steps permeated the air, a feeling of elation, jubilation, and exaltation came over the congregation. We were crossing over Christ’s sacrifice and were unharmed by the tempest and troubled waters. 

People began to cry, people began to shout and praise with earnest hearts. Oh the joy and rapture! I could not help but to look back over the bridge and noted that ALL that were in the service had crossed but there were those on the hill, which had NOT been in church were sitting awaiting the battle and had missed the ‘resurrection’. My heart trembled, as I asked for all to remember the ecstasy of being on ‘heaven’s shore’ but also to look behind them and see those that were left behind. Tears fell as we thought of those that will be left behind on that day we are called home. The good Colonel Ray Adkins said that we must be bold and tell others. We were reminded that Gabriel has been polishing his trumpet but Jesus is looking down saying, “Please wait, I see yet another that I wish to knock upon his door in hopes that he will open it and join us.” Our dear ‘Pard’ Captain Les Williamson of the 5^th Kentucky offered his testimony and love of Christ. He added that we all must become laborers for the Lord, for the harvest is great and the workers few.

We were reminded that we are vessels (cracked vessels at times) and must not keep what we have been given but offer it boldly to the lost. It was then that people began offering their testimony. It was then that some of the people fell to their knees praying for forgiveness. It was then that some raised their hand in submission to God as they rejoiced boldly. It was then that one of my dear friends came forward and wanted to get right with the Lord. He asked for us to pray for him and we touched him and HE touched us. We prayed with hands on the men and women that came forward. Mrs. Sharp asked if she could pray for me and touched me with a touch of faith and love that sent chills over my entire body. A young 19 year old told of how his departed grandfather guided him to the Lord. A beautiful girl told of a gift that her friend had. Others spoke, others cried, others stated their love but all were touched by the Master’s hand. 

We did not wish to leave our safe harbor. We did not want to redress the bridge. We wanted to relish the calming of the troubled water but realized that it was not yet our time. For the laborers are few and the harvest is great. All reaffirmed their commission to go forth boldly proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord.

If I live in this world to be a thousand, I shall never forget the awakening. We all realized that God is in control and that if we do His bidding, earnestly seek His guidance, we shall be more than conquerors. Today I ask you, “Do you know my Jesus? Would you like to know Him? He knocks at the door and offers you the free gift of salvation. It doesn’t cost you a thing and is by far the greatest investment that you will ever make. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling; calling “Oh Sinner, Come Home.”

Once again at a little town known as Barbourville, God moved in mighty ways. Once again His hand calmed the troubled waters and made us bolder in His name. Once again, for a brief moment we saw in another sacred pond reflections of heaven. Once again he humbled us by His presence, as He walked upon the waters and allowed His Son to be the bridge over the troubled waters of our lives. I remain your humbled servant in Christ; the Old General