David and Jonathan, Saul’s son, were true friends. They loved each other as much as if they were blood brothers. In fact, their souls were knit together (1 Sam. 18:1). For a number of reasons, none of which were justified, King Saul was obsessed with the relentless pursuit of the youthful David. His intense desire to kill him was not hidden (1 Sam. 19:9-10). David had several opportunities to slay Saul, but he would not touch him because he was God’s anointed (1 Sam. 24:6). David apparently did not fully understand why Saul wanted him dead. He asked, “What have I done? What is mine iniquity? And what is my sin” (1 Sam 20:1). David needed to sit at meat with King Saul during the feast of the new moon, but he was suspicious (1 Sam 20:5-17). Jonathan said to him, “To-morrow is the new moon; and thou wilt be missed, because thy seat will be empty” (1 Sam 20:18). David’s empty seat sent a clear message to Saul. In like manner, whether realized or not, an empty seat (pew) at service time has a powerful voice. It says different things. Here are some of them.
Someone is too ill to attend
No doubt every congregation has people who are completely dedicated to Christ and the church; they never miss a service unless they are too sick to come. If their place on the pew is vacant you can be sure that something is physically wrong. This is a well-established pattern. Too, these same people never let minor afflictions keep them from the public assemblies. This includes all activities whether spiritual or social
Someone is visiting elsewhere
Visiting is good. It can be refreshing to the spirit. It provides opportunities for greater fellowship. It can be a learning experience, but it can be overdone. Many congregations have people who belong to the tribe of “Gad” so to speak. Their seat is vacant too often. They are gone so much that they ought to fill out a visitor’s card when they return. Many of these dear souls are nomadic. They have itchy feet. They just cannot wait to “get on the road again.” They keep the congregation off balance and keep it from reaching attendance goals both in Bible classes and in the assembly. Their empty pew, if empty too often because of visiting elsewhere, can be a real downer to those who are trying their best to contribute to congregational growth through faithful attendance.
Someone is weak in faith
There are those who have (1) little faith, (2) great faith, (3) weak faith, (4) strong faith, (5) no faith (cf., Matt 6:20; 8:10; Rom 4:19-20; Mark 4:40; Deut. 32:20). Every congregation has those who are weak in faith. They need to be strengthened. They need fellowship with others, but these dear souls have the faith of a “gnat” and it seemingly never increases no matter what is done to help them. These are the folks who are “tossed to and fro,” by various things to the extent that you never know for sure if they will be in their seat. Weakness can be overcome and it cannot be used as a perpetual excuse.
Someone has returned to the world
Demas forsook Paul because he loved the world (2 Tim. 4:10), and unfortunately Demas has many relatives in the church today. It is heartbreaking, disappointing, and extremely frustrating to see a seat or pew vacant because the one who occupied it has returned to the beggarly elements of the world (Gal. 4:9). Satan has won another battle over one of God’s children. The thorns and thistles (the world and its cares) once again choked the Word and caused unfaithfulness (Matt. 13:22). Playing spiritual jeopardy is foolish because we cannot win.
Someone’s love has waxed cold
Pews and seats are often empty because the person who formerly occupied them has lost his or her love for Christianity. This dear soul is little more than a “church goer”; the opportunity to taste and experience New Testament Christianity is lost. This love, which was once warm, vibrant, and outgoing, has hardened. This absentee does not love the Lord or the church anymore. This person was a careless soldier who did not prepare himself for battle. Satan smacked him down, kicked him, and smashed him because he did not have on his armor (Eph. 6:10-18). Yes, at times the vacant pew has a powerful voice and it is not always pleasant to hear.
Is your seat empty? Why? Let us resolve to be here and not let the devil win! Let us encourage the brethren by our presents.
