1 Samuel 20:18

Thou shalt be missed.

Being missed

There are two aspects of truth in these words. One fact is plain enough; the vacant chair will one day be our own. I do not say that the highest motive that can inspire us is to be found in a desire to be gratefully remembered. No; Christian duty has its highest motives in the love of Christ, and in devotion to the right as right.

I. There is a recognition of reality all around and about us. Men are for the most part known for what they verily are.

II. There are graduated spheres of influence.

III. There are capacities individual to ourselves. Each Life is a separate creation of God’s. No two dogs even have the same countenances.

IV. There is a recognition of special friendship. We cannot feel alike to all if we would. (W. M. Statham.)

Thy seat shall be empty.

The vacant chair

1. I point out to you the father’s vacant chair.

2. I go a little farther on in your house, and I find the mother’s vacant chair.

3. I go on a little further, and I come to the invalid’s chair.

4. I pass on, and I find one more vacant chair. It is a high chair. It is the child’s chair. If that chair be occupied, I think it is the most potent chair in all the household. (T. De Witt Talmage.)