A Meditation for the Times
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The Power of a Name
Names are extremely important in the story of the Bible. When people are named, it is more than arbitrarily choosing what sounds good, or what pleases the parents; names communicate something about the person, something about God, or something about the situation. Consider some of the names that intertwine with the story of the Bible:
Isaac--God laughs
Ruth--Friend
David--Beloved
Isaiah--The salvation of the Lord
Peter--Rock
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Shenandoah District
Daily Connection--
From the Heart
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-Links to churches who have let us know of online experiences offered in lieu of corporate worship services
-Links to papers, articles, and official press releases dealing with the response to the coronavirus outbreak
-Links to previous meditations and prayers
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These names are more than just identifying the person, but they are reminders of a story in which they belong. When we hear the name Peter, we think more than just a person; we think about the faithfulness of God, the foundation of the church, and the steady presence of the Holy Spirit. When we read the pages of Isaiah, we remember more than just the written word of a prophet; we remember the identifying of the coming Savior and the naming of the salvation he would bring.
In the past few weeks, one name has risen to the top of every newsfeed--coronavirus or COVID-19. This name is now a universal word in all languages; it breaks across cultures and tongues; it connects people from across the globe. This name has taken center stage in lives around the world. It seems that at this moment, all that we say and do revolves around this name--COVID-19. There is significant power in this name. This name brings the power to close schools and places of worship, the power to furlough workers and close businesses, the power to empty grocery stores, and separate people. Yes, there is power in the name coronavirus.
However, there is another name--the name of Jesus. We are told that at the name of Jesus “every knee will bow” (Phil 2:9-11), and we are told that salvation can be found in no other name than the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12). In this time, we have a challenge, to continue to lift the name of Jesus. Though at this moment, it may be hard to see--the name of coronavirus will pass, but the name of Jesus will last forever. The name of Jesus has provided healing and wholeness for generations. Long before anyone thought of the name coronavirus, the name of Jesus had defeated it! Yes, there is power in the name of Jesus!
Like the names of Ruth, Peter, or David, the name of Jesus reminds us about more than just a man. It reminds us of the faithfulness of God, the salvation of all mankind, the peace that passes all understanding; the name of Jesus is completeness. We know the name of Jesus, and in this name, we have life--this is the power of the Gospel.
However, there is more to this story than us merely knowing the name of God. What can be more assuring than knowing the name of God at this moment? The answer: knowing that God knows OUR NAMES as well. In Isaiah 43, God declares that he knows our names (43:1), and in John 10:14-15, Jesus declares that he, the good shepherd, knows his sheep. God knows the names of his people, and he knows exactly what we need.
God knows our name. The one who made the heavens and the earth; the one who holds the universe together; the one who unfolds the heavens like a scroll; that God knows exactly who you are and knows exactly what you need. In these moments, let’s join as the Shenandoah District and lift up the name of Jesus Christ--the most powerful name in heaven and earth, and let’s remember that we are always known by God.
The God who clothes the lilies of the field and feeds the sparrows will surely feed his sheep today.
Jonathan Prater
March 24, 2020
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From the Desk of District Executive Minister John Jantzi
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Hunkering Down Together
Yesterday marked a significant transition in actions taken by the state governments of Virginia and West Virginia.
- March 23 - In a FAQ release regarding Executive Order 53, the following was indicated. “Places of worship that do conduct in-person services must limit gatherings to 10 people, to comply with the statewide 10-person ban.”
- Also, in an evening Zoom conference with representatives of the faith community Governor Northam announced that the restriction on public gatherings to 10 or less applied to churches starting at midnight on March 24. This restriction applies to funerals and weddings as well. The order is mandated and is in place for thirty days.
- March 23- Governor Jim Justice issued a “stay at home order” directing residents to stay at home and limit movements outside the homes beyond essential needs.
All three actions have implications for our congregations and individuals in our communities. I am thinking particularly today of the closing of the schools for the academic year. There are painful dislocations for students and teachers alike. Graduations curtailed, goodbyes postponed and childcare needs multiplying. Anguish and uncertainty flowed aplenty yesterday in conversations I was privy to.
Lamenting and giving voice to the dislocation is a vital first step. We need to create space and support for those laments to be heard and care extended. When we do this together, the face of God is revealed, and the Holy Spirit’s healing balm begins to flow in our midst.
Very real-life adjustments will be made these next weeks and months, and we need each other as never before. As we “hunker down together,” let’s focus our energy on finding ways and means of tending to our congregations and neighborhoods. At the Zoom conference last night with Governor Northam, there were helpful resources identified. Tomorrow we will provide a list of those resources for your use and reference. Today, I would have us think of three specific questions. If you are aware of options being developed, let the District Office know, and we will compile and distribute.
- Are there childcare options being developed that you are aware of? How are children being tended to?
- How do we assist in helping our Jr. High and Sr. High youth stay connected?
- I heard one congregation is working at regular Zoom calls with their youth. With more time available, this could be an opportunity to build meaningful relationships.
- What options are being worked at for sharing food and other resources for our most vulnerable?
- One congregation has developed a drive-by food pantry.
With Deep Appreciation and Gratitude for each one of you,
John Jantzi
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The One with Many Names: A Prayer
Oh Jesus, you are one with many names--names that meet us in the complexity and desires of our life and living. Hear us, we pray.
ADVOCATE
We long for an advocate, a defense attorney, one who understands and represents our fears, longings, and sin.
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One" (I John 2:1).
PEACE
We long for the misunderstandings, tensions and infighting to cease. That we work for “the common good” together.
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Eph. 2:14).
THE WORD
Most Holy One, we long to see your face. To catch a glimpse of your glory and follow faithfully after your Son.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
SUPREME CREATOR OVER ALL
Oh God, we fervently want someone to be in control.
“By Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.…” (Col. 1:16-17).
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
We give you thanks that you light our way through the most difficult circumstances.
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).
GOOD SHEPHERD
Oh God, we are thankful that you walk ahead of us to protect us and have already given your life for us.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
John Jantzi
March 24, 2020
Names and scriptures from Crosswalk.com
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A
Zoom call
for District pastors and leaders will provide an opportunity for
mutual support and prayer
. This call will be at 10 a.m. on Thurs., Mar. 26. The link will be sent out on Tues. and Wed. Jon Prater and Kevin Daggett will host. Learn more about downloading the Zoom app for
Windows here
and for
Mac products here
.
Antioch
will provide
tech and logistical support
for the needs listed below. If your congregation desires assistance with these items, call George Bowers at (540) 459-3661. If no one answers leave a message and your call will be returned. You may also e-mail George at
gabowers@shentel.net
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1. Assistance in recording digitally
2. Assistance in posting to whatever platform the congregation might have
3. Assistance in helping create platforms
4. Record and transfer to CD beginning the week of March 29
We are grateful to Antioch for extending this offer.
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Graphics through pixabay.com, unless noted otherwise.
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