Thou Shalt Be Missed, Because Thy Seat
The sermon emphasizes the importance of being present in our roles and responsibilities, whether in the home circle or in the house of God.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of presence in both family and church settings, using the example of David's empty seat to illustrate the void left by those who are absent. He urges individuals to prioritize their roles within the family unit, warning against leaving seats empty for trivial reasons, as it causes pain to loved ones. Meyer also highlights the importance of attending church services, noting that each empty seat represents a loss in collective worship and fellowship. He encourages believers to ensure their presence at sacred gatherings, as their absence is felt and impacts the spiritual atmosphere. Ultimately, Meyer calls for faithfulness in fulfilling our commitments to both family and God.
Text
Thou shalt be missed, because thy seat
will be empty. 1 Sam, xx. 18.
JONATHAN and David had entered into a covenant,each loving the other as his own soul. Anxious to shield his friend from the wrath of his father, Jonathan discloses to David the plan by which he shall know how matters fared in the royal palace. David's vacant seat suggests a lesson for us.
There are a good many empty seats in our houses. Those that occupied them can never do so again; they have gone never to return again, and we miss them sorely.
Let us see to it that we do not leave our seats in the home circle needlessly vacant. Let not the mother be away at the dance, or even at the religious meeting, when she should be at home, joining in her children's evening prayers. Let the father be very sure that God has called him elsewhere, before he habitually vacates his place in the evening family circle. Let each of us avoid giving needless pain to those we love by leaving empty seats. But if God calls us away to his service, then for those who miss us, another Form shall glide in, and sit in the vacant chair; and they will become conscious that the Master is filling the gap, and beguiling the weary moments.
Above all, let not your seat be empty in the house of God, at the ordinary service, or at the Lord's Table. We are too prone to allow a trifle to deter us from joining in the sacred feasts. At such times we are missed, our empty seat witnesses against us; there is a lack in the song and prayer, which cries out against us; there is a distinct loss to the power of the service, which is in proportion to the number of earnest souls present. Oh that there may be no empty seats at the marriage supper, vacated through our unfaithfulness!
Sermon Outline
- The Empty Seat
- The Home Circle
- The House of God
- The significance of regular attendance
- The impact of an empty seat
Key Quotes
“Thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.” — F.B. Meyer
“Let us see to it that we do not leave our seats in the home circle needlessly vacant.” — F.B. Meyer
“Oh that there may be no empty seats at the marriage supper, vacated through our unfaithfulness!” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Let us make sure to prioritize our family worship and regular attendance in the house of God.
- We should avoid unnecessary absence from our roles and responsibilities, and be mindful of the impact it has on others.
- If God calls us away to his service, we should be sure that it is His will, and then trust in His provision to fill the gap.