DAY 215
Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic
A series of daily reflections for people of faith
by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor
Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland
pastorrobert@paxpres.org
Week Thirty-one Thursday 15 October 2020
The Heart of Encouragement
“Who would we identify as the individuals responsible for the legacy of the New Testament era? Probably the Apostle Paul, surely Peter, and the gospel writers. But how about Barnabas? We vaguely recall him as a figure whose names ‘son of encouragement.’ … Barnabas was instrumental in the overall growth of the fledging church. When introduced in Acts 4, what is he doing there? He is selling land and offering its proceeds to support the struggling community. Barnabas also was a missionary preacher. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith and gladness, exhorting the church (Acts 11:23-24). Barnabas’ generosity in money, time, teaching and preaching encouraged the church, and it grew.” - From the current issue of a denominational magazine.
Barnabas – ‘son of encouragement’ was from Crete, modern day Cyprus. A study of his name throughout Acts reveals the significant role he played in the founding of this new religion. Key to this is his being called by the Holy Spirit into ministry alongside Paul: “In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: … While they were worshipping and fasting the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:1-3. Sadly, Paul and Barnabas had a ‘sharp disagreement’ that led to their parting ways for a while, yet Barnabas continued in ministry and as an encourager.
Our English ‘encourage’ has at its root ‘couer’ meaning heart, and rather than ‘encouragement’ is sometimes translated ‘take heart’ in Scripture: “Take heart!” says Jesus in John 16:33.
I had a roommate in college who has pastored a large church outside of Cincinnati for almost 40 years where I have had the privilege of preaching. Every so often he calls me to see how I am doing and concludes our conversation with a prayer and a statement: “I believe in you.” Sounds trite perhaps, but I highly value those words of encouragement. More than anyone, my wife has been my number one encourager for 54 years, and I would not be who I am today if it were not for her consistent encouraging presence, words and love. Encouragement works!
Reflective question: Who comes to mind to whom you can extend a word of encouragement today in the midst of this pandemic?
Reflective Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another…”
Reflective hymn:
“Brother, Let Me Be Your Servant” – Richard Gillard (1953- )
We are pilgrims on a journey, we are brothers on the road,
We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load.
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