David's Empty Seat: A Tale of Loyalty, Friendship, and Divine Purpose
1 Sam. 20:18b …and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.
Oh, the bitter-sweet moments of ministry! David had served the king many times in the palace, and even sat at the king’s table on many occasions. In fact, he had a seat at the king’s table designated just for him. He had his place in the palace. He had great moments whereby his ministry of music soothed the king’s heart and brought peace to him when nothing else would. In fact, his ministry was so powerful, that evil spirits would leave king Saul whenever David played his instruments. So to say that David had a very significant and appreciated role in the palace would hardly do it justice.
Nonetheless, king Saul became more and more hostile towards David as jealousy and fear began to kick in; jealousy because David had something Saul knew he didn’t have, which was the blessings and favor of God, and fear because he knew his days were numbered, and that David was a threat to his throne. Saul did not want David to take the place of his own son Jonathan. So, instead of celebrating the fact that David was being blessed and promoted by The Lord, king Saul instead took the other route. Yes, he took the route of pitting himself against David, and it only drove him all the more insane while doing so.
Meanwhile, this meant that David could no longer show up for supper at the king’s table without fear of a javelin being thrown at him…literally! So, there was his designated seat, at the palace, empty. It was heartbreaking for both David and Jonathan, because they were what we’d call best friends. Jonathan did not feel the same way about David as his father, king Saul did. In fact, Jonathan took up for David, and helped him escape the wrath of Saul.
That brings us back to our text, where Jonathan said to David, “…and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.” So just to reiterate, David belongs in the palace, and even has a place with his name on it there, but he can’t even take his position for fear of his life. And although Jonathan will miss him because he genuinely loves him, king Saul will miss him only because he can’t get another opportunity to take him out.
It’s funny HOW people miss you! Some miss you for far different reasons than others. And so goes ministry. You will go through many seasons where you will feel out of place. Your seat will be empty, because of the threats imposed upon you by others who resent you and want you harmed. Regardless, you must remain loyal to the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, who will ALWAYS have a seat for you at HIS table!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
Oh, the bitter-sweet moments of ministry! David had served the king many times in the palace, and even sat at the king’s table on many occasions. In fact, he had a seat at the king’s table designated just for him. He had his place in the palace. He had great moments whereby his ministry of music soothed the king’s heart and brought peace to him when nothing else would. In fact, his ministry was so powerful, that evil spirits would leave king Saul whenever David played his instruments. So to say that David had a very significant and appreciated role in the palace would hardly do it justice.
Nonetheless, king Saul became more and more hostile towards David as jealousy and fear began to kick in; jealousy because David had something Saul knew he didn’t have, which was the blessings and favor of God, and fear because he knew his days were numbered, and that David was a threat to his throne. Saul did not want David to take the place of his own son Jonathan. So, instead of celebrating the fact that David was being blessed and promoted by The Lord, king Saul instead took the other route. Yes, he took the route of pitting himself against David, and it only drove him all the more insane while doing so.
Meanwhile, this meant that David could no longer show up for supper at the king’s table without fear of a javelin being thrown at him…literally! So, there was his designated seat, at the palace, empty. It was heartbreaking for both David and Jonathan, because they were what we’d call best friends. Jonathan did not feel the same way about David as his father, king Saul did. In fact, Jonathan took up for David, and helped him escape the wrath of Saul.
That brings us back to our text, where Jonathan said to David, “…and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.” So just to reiterate, David belongs in the palace, and even has a place with his name on it there, but he can’t even take his position for fear of his life. And although Jonathan will miss him because he genuinely loves him, king Saul will miss him only because he can’t get another opportunity to take him out.
It’s funny HOW people miss you! Some miss you for far different reasons than others. And so goes ministry. You will go through many seasons where you will feel out of place. Your seat will be empty, because of the threats imposed upon you by others who resent you and want you harmed. Regardless, you must remain loyal to the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, who will ALWAYS have a seat for you at HIS table!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill