Articles
An Empty Chair
An Empty Chair
Wayne Burger
Early in the life of David, King Saul had a feast to celebrate the new moon. Two consecutive days David did not attend and thus his assigned seat was vacant (I Samuel 20:18, 24-27). When Jonathan was discussing this situation with Saul, his father, he said, “For this reason he has not come to the King’s table” I Samuel 20:29. Even though David had legitimate reasons, still he missed the opportunity to be at the king’s table. Let’s think about an application of that thought. Is your chair at the King’s table empty? Are the chairs of your children empty when it is time to gather at the King’s table?
It is true that the Lord’s Supper could be thought of as the King’s table, but in this article I want us to think of the King’s table in a different sense. Taking nourishment from God’s word is also spoken of as eating at the Lord’s “table” (John 6:41-68). When it comes time to eat from God’s spiritual food – God’s word, is your chair empty?
What about the Bible classes that are offered? Do you attend or is your chair empty? If your chair is empty, then more than likely your child’s chair is also empty. It saddens me that so many chairs are empty during the Sunday morning Bible class time. It is even sadder that so many chairs are empty on Wednesday evenings. What is most disappointing is that the chairs of the children are empty. Teachers come prepared, but you have chosen to let your child sit in another chair rather than in the chair at the King’s table. What chair is more important to your children than the chair where they can learn about God and His desire for them?
I know that life is a rush and our scheduled are full, but all the activity is created a vacuum in our spiritual lives and in the spiritual lives of our children. We may not see the consequences now, but it will appear later on in life. You know what parents excuse in moderation, later children abuse in excess. Through the years my observation has taught me and studies prove it, that when parents only attend some of the services that their children become adults attend even fewer services. On the other hand, studies show that when parents are fully dedicated and are heavily involved in all aspects of the work of the church, there is a far greater chance that their children will also be fully involved when they are adults. Thus, this is my concern, not just for the here-and-now, but for the long-time effect in the lives of your children when they become adults.
When your chair is empty at the King’s table on a regular basis it says…
- You think something else is more important. What is it that is more important than studying God’s word or assembling to worship God?
- You do not think the messages that are presented each time are related to the life you live. We are living in a nation that has lost its grasp of a moral compass to direct life. The Bible is the compass God has given. By your lack of attendance when God’s word is taught, you are also saying that you do not need those messages to guide you in life.
- You do not see the fact that your presence is needed to encourage others. Too often people think that no one knows when they are not here. That is far from the truth. Your presence encourages and strengthens all and therefore, your absence discourages all.
- You do not appreciate the effort that the teacher puts forth to prepare the lesson that was to be presented the days you missed. Those who teach put forth a great deal of effort in study and preparation. By your absence you are saying, “I don’t appreciate the effort you have put forth.” Do you really want to say that?
Just as we can think of what an empty chair says, and it is all negative, so we can list all the positive things that your chair says when you are in it. Therefore, like it or not, a chair is going to speak. What it speaks will be determined by whether it is occupied or unoccupied.
What will your chair say next Wednesday evening or next Sunday morning, or in those special classes?
