That Empty Place

But the next day, David’s place was empty again. 1 Samuel 20:27

There are many reasons for that empty chair. Sometimes there is a sadness to the thought that a once occupied place is now empty, and the memory of the loved one who once sat there. At other times it’s because the usual occupant is busy, or maybe unwell. In the text, the chair was empty because David needed to know if his best friend Jonathan’s dad King Saul, still wanted to kill him. David wanted, and needed, to know if he was missed. After all, he was just one of many who were at King Saul’s table. The answer to that question meant a lot to David, and his survival!

David’s chair at the table was empty twice, and it was noticed. David’s presence was good and most folks missed him, but King Saul paid attention because his heart was dark with evil, murderous thoughts. No wonder then that David wanted, no needed, to be sure where he stood in the King’s court.

Do you notice when someone is missing from their regular place? If a particular place is regularly occupied, it is almost impossible not to notice, but the key is what we do about it. We may decide to ignore the empty chair, and hope the occupant will come back soon. What about giving some thought to phoning them, just to ask how they are doing? If that is too hard, how about sending a card through the mail? Don’t have a stamp? In this digital age, you can send an email, or get in touch informally by one of the social media platforms. Most of us are digitally aware, after all you are reading this online!

So, next time you see an empty chair in church, do something about it. Don’t leave it to the pastor, after all he IS the one person who might just be too busy!