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Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Invitation to Participate in the 2020 Advent Devotional
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Day 217: Gender Equality and God
DAY 217
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 Saturday 17 October 2020
Gender Equality and God
“Ruth Bader Ginsburg changed the legal landscape for American women. In a career spanning six decades, she became the nation’s leading court advocate for gender equality, first as a civil rights litigator and then as the second woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court.” - From the current issue of a weekly news magazine.
Equality, an elusive status in some ways, in all cultures that is sometimes based on race, religion, or sexual orientation, is more often than not based on gender. As we reflect on what it means for the declaration in our founding as a nation to state that “all men are created equal,” “men” linguistically referencing the human race when this was written, we also reflect on prior and more compelling declarations by the God who has created all human beings.
The first declaration by God regarding gender equality is found in the beginning of the beginning of the creation of everything:
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, …’
So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
Male and female he created them.”
- Genesis 1:26,27
The second declaration by God regarding gender equality is found in the beginning of the beginning of the creation of the Body of Christ on earth, the church on the Day of Pentecost, a fulfillment of the prophet Joel in 2:28-29 and recorded in Acts 2:17-18:
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days, …”
As we face a pandemic of cruel force, we watch as health care providers - both men and women - exhaust themselves in the service of others, some of them dying in the process, an equality in caring and an equality in dying of moving note. Ginsburg was right – so was and so is God.
Reflective question: Do you believe men and women are created equal in God’s sight?
Reflective Scripture: Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Reflective hymn:
“For Everyone Born” – Shirley Murray (1931- )
For woman and man, a place at the table,
revising the roles, deciding the share,
With wisdom and grace, dividing the power,
for woman and man, a system that’s fair.
Day 216: Who Do We Count?
DAY 216
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 Friday 16 October 2020
Who Do We Count?
“The Gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus was born during a census. God came to earth not only in a manger; God came to earth during the season of counting … . The Book of Numbers gets its name from the census God orders Moses to take … a census that did not include women and children. The first purpose of the census was to determine battle readiness … . Numbers are in the news now more than ever, thanks to the 2020 census – and the contention around the data it collects.” - From an article by the same name in the current issue of a Christian magazine.
“Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included in this Union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons, … excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years …” - Article 1, Section 2, of the United States Constitution.
The census in which we have been engaged during 2020 has its roots in antiquity, and a disparity in the value of persons being counted has as well. In Numbers, only men were counted; in the Constitution, Indians “not taxed” didn’t count, and “all other persons” counted as only three-fifths of a whole person – slaves. And today? A contentious partisan debate has centered around whether or not to count the undocumented in our midst. Do they live here? What does God say?
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:34. Xenophobia is native to the human species, a fear (phobia) of the stranger or foreigner (xenos), a betrayal of our own inner brokenness and insecurity. Fear marks the undocumented as well, fear of deportation if counted, fear of separation from American-born citizen children. May God give us politicians who will wisely utilize this census, this counting of people, to focus on just that - people - especially in this time of a pandemic that is non-partisan in those it attacks.
Reflective question: Informed by your faith, who do you think should be included in the census? Why?
Reflective Scripture: Psalm 146:9 – “The Lord watches over the foreigner …”
Reflective hymn:
“Abraham Journeyed to a New Country” – Carolyn Gillete (1961- )
To the tune of “Morning has Broken”
God, our own families came here from far lands;
we have been strangers, “aliens” too.
May we reach out and offer a welcome,
as we have all been welcomed by you.
Day 215: The Heart of Encouragement
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.
Day 214: Country Focus RUSSIA
DAY 214
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 Wednesday 14 October 2020
Country Focus - Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world spread across nine time zones with a population of 145 million concentrated in the western portion of the country. Christianity was embraced in the 9th century and has been dominated by the Orthodox Church until the revolution in 1917. For the next 40 years some estimated 20 million people were put to death, many of them Christians, including a high percentage of the clergy. While religion is now allowed, it remains under the thumb of the government. Since the end of WWII, Russia has remained the number one enemy of the United States, a cold war relationship exacerbated by years of official atheism.
Prayer Focus
+ Pray for the clergy of the Orthodox Church, some of whom are strongly evangelical.
+ Pray for the millions of Orthodox believers that Jesus will become alive and real for them.
+ Pray for the estimated 20% or the population who consider themselves atheists.
+ Pray for those caught in one of the highest rates of alcoholism in the world.
+ Pray for the many outside evangelical missionaries working in Russia, for protection and
encounters with those whose hearts are open to the Gospel.
+ Pray for openings into and missionaries available to reach the 78 ethnic minorities including
20 million Muslims with no Gospel witness.
+ Pray for prisoners – Russia is second only to the US in percentage of its population in prison.
+ Pray that as they sing their national anthem, below, Russians will think about what it means
to be truly under God’s protection as individuals and seek this relationship in their own lives.
+ Pray for nearly 20 million Russians living abroad, that they will encounter Christ.
Jesus’ Prayer Request each Wednesday:
“’The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest,
therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Jesus - Matthew 9:37-38
For the full country profile and prayer needs
for Russia go to: operationworld.org.
Reflective question: While an adversarial foe, will you pray for the people of Russia?
Reflective Scripture: Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell, you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”
Reflective hymn:
“Russian National Anthem – Sergey Mikhalkov (1913-2009)
From the southern seas to the polar lands spread our forests and fields.
You are unique in the world, one of a kind – native land protected by God!
Day 213: The Pandemic in Fall and Winter
DAY 213
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 Tuesday 13 October 2020
The Pandemic in Fall and Winter
“The deadliest month in American history was an October during a pandemic. In 1918, after waning through the long summer, Spanish flu came roaring back to claim nearly 200,000 lives, just in that one month, just in the United States. Until recently, this second wave surprise – it was the worst of three to hit the country between 1918 and 1919, most likely because a rare mutation made the virus more deadly – was a bit of obscure medical trivia. But as our current pandemic enters its ninth month, armchair epidemiologists have been wringing their hands over it.” - From a current newspaper article by the same title.
After a surprise hit by the coronavirus the first half of the year and mercurial statistics through the summer, people have become weary of it all as they long for things to get back to normal. From schools to sports teams to restaurants to places of employment attempts have been made at bringing things back to where they once were, or at least to a revised edition of the same even as Fall has begun 22 September, a chronological journey into increasing darkness and rainy days.
Fall is a time of harvest, for which gloomy wet rainy days are a necessity. “Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God,” God says to us this Fall, “for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains …” Joel 2:23.
If the epidemiologists are right, and I trust the scientists over ignorance, we could very well be in for a bruiser of a Fall compounding our already weary souls and exacerbating our already anxious emotions and thoughts. Whatever the unknown Fall of 2020 holds for us, we know that a faithful God will be accompanying us still on our journey, never wavering in His commitment to us.
Reflective question: What is your greatest fear for this Fall and Winter? Your greatest hope?
Reflective Scripture: Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who has promised is faithful.”
Reflective hymn:
“Great is Thy Faithfulness” – Thomas Chisolm (1866-1960}
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Great is Thy faithfulness. Great is Thy faithfulness.
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Day 212: Social Distancing Can Hurt Your Friendships
DAY 212
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 Monday 12 October 2020
Social Distancing Can Hurt Your Friendships
Staying Connected in 2020 Requires Shared Commitment
“Friendships need four elements to grow, according to Kat Vellos, an author and connection coach: close physical proximity, regular interactions, a compatible outlook on life and a shared commitment to being there for each other … when they are all present, friendship can bloom. However, if any of these components are lacking ‘due to circumstances or not being actively nurtured, the greater your likelihood of failure,’ she wrote.’” - From a current newspaper article by the same title.
“Steve and I have been friends for many years,” I said in a group of men on a retreat. His response caught me off guard: “We’re not friends, we are acquaintances. My list of friends is short, but I have many acquaintances.” It stung. It stung partly because it was said in front of others, some of whom I had also considered friends for years. But it also stung because I knew he was right, making a distinction I had never considered before in our culture of ‘instant friendships.’
Friendships were central for Jesus during his earthly ministry. Listen to how he describes them. “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15. For Jesus the definition of friendship was sharing who he was with others. The above article reminds us that “Staying connected in 2020 requires shared commitment.” Sounds like the relationship between Jesus and us, doesn’t it?
Over the years I have watched people come and go who have professed friendship and even love for each other or for me. I have watched people befriend others only to abandon them when that person’s behavior became problematic or they changed beliefs. So I have come up with my own definition of a friend – you can ‘try it on’ to see if it fits in your relationships with ‘friends’:
A friend is someone who stays.
Reflective question: Whom do you know who needs you to be a true friend just now?
Reflective Scripture: Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times.”
Reflective hymn:
“There’s Not a Friend Like the Lowly Jesus” – Johnson Oatman 1856-1922)
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus: No, not one! No, not one!
No one else could heal all our soul’s diseases: No, not one! No, not one!
Jesus knows all about our struggles; He will guide ‘til the day is done:
There’s not a Friend like the lowly Jesus: No, not one! No, not one!
Day 211: Surrounded by Grace
DAY 211
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 Sunday 11 October 2020
Surrounded by Grace
Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. - The Book of Common Payer: For the Sunday closest to 12 October.
- Amazing grace! How sweet the sound – that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.
- ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved!
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
- The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
- Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace.
- The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below, will be forever mine.
- Thru many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
- When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.
Verses 1-6 by John Newton (1725-1807)
verse 7 by John Rees (1828-1900)
JOHN NEWTON. Clerk.
Once an infidel and libertine a servant of slaves in Africa
was by the rich mercy of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST
preserved, restored, pardoned and appointed to preach
the faith he had long laboured to destroy.
Epitaph on the gravestone of John Newton
St. Peter and St. Paul Churchyard, Olney, England
John Newton wrote his own epitaph.
Reflective question: Which of these verses speaks to you in your life just now? Why?
Reflective Scripture: Ephesians 2:5 – “… it is by grace you have been saved.”
Reflective hymn: “Amazing Grace” see above.
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