Empty Seats


This past Tuesday Kim and I got home from our respective places of work about the same time.  Knowing that Joanna is always starving when she gets home at the end of the day, especially now that she has track practice after school, I suggested we get dinner started as quickly as possible.  I think I was kind of looking forward to having dinner together—that is, all three of us.  With both Jonathan and Nathaniel back at their colleges as of Monday, a full dinner table is now Kim, Joanna, and I.  And, the night before, Joanna was out for the evening, so Kim and I had eaten dinner alone.  I guess I was really looking forward to having dinner with all three of us together. 

As Kim and I were cooking and setting the table, I noticed it was getting close to 6 pm and began wondering why Joanna was somewhat late.  I found myself peaking towards the front window, waiting for her to drive up any moment, ready to inform her that dinner was just about ready. Every so often, I’d glance towards the direction of the driveway, wondering whether or not I had heard her drive up.  Then suddenly it dawned on me: Joanna had a track meet and would not be home for dinner!  I stopped in my tracks, broke the news to Kim, and proceeded to remove one place setting from the table.  Once again, Kim and I sat down for dinner—just the two of us, and three empty seats.

It’s not that Kim and I don’t like having dinner together. It’s just that we are so used to a full house.  And with both boys away, there does seem to be some consolation in the fact that at least we yet have Joanna at home with us.   The house doesn’t seem totally deserted. The chairs at the dinner table are not all empty.  But, on Tuesday night it seemed like we were looking at empty seats. For a moment I think my heart sunk just a little bit as I longed to have each of my kids back at the table. 

Jesus told the story of a man who was throwing a great big feast. He invited lots of people to come, but most turned down his invitation and there were going to be lots of empty seats.  So, he sent out another round of invitations to a whole different group of people.  In his instructions to his servants he said, “‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.”  (Luke 14:23 – NIV)  With those words, Jesus was expressing the longing of God’s heart.  He was revealing God’s desire that not one seat in heaven should be left empty; that many would be saved and made children of God—that each of us should be found in our seats at God’s table.   

I’m thankful today that, as much as I long to have my kids with me at my dinner table, God is longing—and even much more so—for each of us to be with him. What a wonderful Father he is!

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris

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