Dear HBIC Family,

Every now and then, when we have a smaller group in the sanctuary, I’m likely to comment on how good it is to be with the holy remnant. I say this jokingly, of course. Our faithfulness to God and each other is not directly correlated to being physically in the seats on any one Sunday morning. But some mornings, whether it’s the weather, people traveling, or just coincidence, it can feel almost incomplete when there are more empty chairs than people. That’s the thing about being the remnant: it is those who remain who know and feel all those people who are missing. 

At the end of Malachi 3, the prophet notes a real holy remnant. These weren’t people who fell away from God; they were the faithful people who held on. These people did not pull away due to the storms of this life; they drew closer to God and each other for help. This remnant remained amid suffering, doubt and discouragements. This remnant held on amid disappointment about the unrighteous seemingly prospering, and the seemingly righteous people of God falling away. 

As you prepare for this week’s service, I invite you to read and meditate on Malachi 3:13-18 and also Psalm 69. As you reflect, I would like to ask you to focus on the following questions:

• What do your private thoughts reveal about how you feel about God right now?
• What discouragement are you currently holding on to?
• What encouragement has blessed you this week?
• When was the last time you felt community? 
• When was the last time you were home for someone else?
• How have you experienced God’s compassion lately? 
• How have you shared that same compassion towards others?

I find it very interesting that, in his section about hope, Malachi notes a people discouraged by the things they cannot control.  The prophet’s honesty and the people’s vulnerability are met and surpassed by God’s faithfulness. There were some who walked away, but people held on. There were some who felt justified in not being accountable to God and their community, but still others submitted to God and each other. There were many who thought the world they saw was all there is, but the remnant were reminded that God’s working – even when we don’t see it. And that God sees us, even when we feel completely alone. 

Sisters and brothers, may we be the remnant that remains. May we be the family of faith that trusts in the promises of God and not the shoddy promises of this passing, deleting world. May we be the community that finds friendship in being safe spaces and places for each other. And may we be children of compassion, for our God and Father in heaven is the most compassionate, our Lord Jesus is the most gracious, and the Holy Spirit is the light that leads us on. 

God bless you all!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Hank (Malachi 3:16)