Remembering the Remnants: Praying for Ostracized and Alienated Christian People
By Rev. Dr. Jason Richard Curry, Columnist
I count it a blessing to have encountered and encouraged relatively, small groups of Christians who have suffered tremendously because of their love for and devotion to the teaching of Jesus Christ. For example, I have had conversations with young men and young women who have ended relationships with people that they loved because their boyfriends or girlfriends absolutely refused to live a life in accord with the teaching of Christ. These couples could not reach common ground concerning subjects like forgiveness, premarital sex, growing in generosity, expressing genuine grace and embracing humility. These young Christians have displayed their love for and trust in the Lord, and they have often searched for social, professional and spiritual spaces (e.g., churches) where they will be accepted and embraced as followers of Christ. One my argued that these young people can be identified as remnants within the Christian faith inasmuch as they constitute a small group of people who may not be necessarily affiliated with a larger, Christian body. The scriptures inform us that God often blesses remnants of people (Jeremiah 23:3; Zephaniah 2:7). In fact, God has either remained with a group of people (Romans 11:5) or refused to abandon or destroy a place (Ezekiel 6:8) because of a “righteous” remnant of people. God’s truly sees and embraces remnants of God’s people.
Ezra was a member of a Jewish community that was once in exile. Ezra and others praised God when they were permitted to return to Jerusalem. According to Ester: “… our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. (God) has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia… (Ezra 9:9).” He went on to say: “Lord, the God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant (Ezra 9:15).” The release of Ezra and others from captivity with the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar and King Cyrus of Persia is provides evidence that God often blesses remnants of people.
As we look to the Lord in prayer, I would like to ask you to pray for the remnants, which are small groups of Christian people, who are often ostracized or alienated by individuals and sometimes institutions because of their commitment to Jesus Christ. In my prayers, I often pray that God might strengthen their resolve and commitment to righteousness as God continues to provide help, healing and a sense of community for them.
