Ever seen or actually heard someone tell another person, “Excuse me, that’s my seat” in a public place? I know, it’s ridiculous! People actually appropriate seats like benches or ledges public places. I’ve heard people say, “Oh yeah, hold on, um, I don’t see any name there.” “Yeah, but I was sitting there,” they’ll say. Here’s how it works: If you leave, that’s it, you’ve lost it.
King David had a best friend, Jonathan-son of King Saul. God had not allowed David to reign yet. However, after Saul and Jonathan died, King David inquired of any relatives left of Jonathan’s seed.
Turns out, Jonathan did have a son. His name was Mephibosheth. He was lame in his feet. Probably had to drag them everywhere he walked. To his surprise, he was sent for by the king. Saul’s servant, Ziba, took King David’s message and relayed it to Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth must’ve thought his life was over. Practice was, the new king would wipe out all relatives of the former king, eliminating chances for a takeover or an exacting of revenge.
Instead, King David wanted to honor Jonathan by inviting Mephibosheth to dine at his, (The King’s) table every day and by giving him land also. At the king’s table, Mephibosheth had, if you will, his name on a particular area. He had his own seat.
*Dan Gills, a teacher, at Glenfield Middle School in Montclair, New Jersey, always has an empty chair in his classroom near his desk. He’s done this for fifty years. Why? Some sixty years ago, Mr. Gills, who is white, at age 9, was invited to a party at his building in NYC. With gifts, Dan, and his black friend, Archie, went happily to have a good time. Dan was invited in, but not Archie. The reason? “No chair” for him to sit on. Dan was willing to sit on the floor so Archie could have a seat, but the ”No chair” policy excluded Archie even though Dan was welcome to stay. They left and at home cried. So, today, if there’s ever a student who has nowhere to go, or, happens to be unwanted by another teacher, he’s welcome into Mr. Gill’s room.
In heaven, there’s a seat for Jesus! See, on earth, in the area of the tabernacle, there was no seat because the priests ministered all day offering sacrifices for the nation of Israel. “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12).
There’s also a seat reserved for you with your name on it as you sit for the most extravagant meal ever at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev.19:9)! You won’t be turned away for the color of your skin; heck, even if your skin was burnt off, you’ll still be let in. You won’t have to take a gift either other than worship and thanksgiving for Jesus’ sacrifice providing you with a free entry ticket. Besides, Jesus already gave you the gift of eternal life, but you do have to accept His sacrifice for you. Accept Him into your life, and you won’t leave crying, on the contrary, “There’s rejoicing in the presence of the angels over one sinner that repents” (Luke 15:10).
An empty chair awaits you. Wouldn’t you love to dine at the King’s table?
God Bless!
Sam
*See The Washington Post (June 20, 2022), Why this teacher keeps one chair empty in his middle school classroom
Finding Laughter In Difficult Times
My life experiences in the good times and in very difficult times will hopefully inspire, encourage, and motivate others to take time to laugh, reflect, and seek God when difficulties in life arise.