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The Empty Chair

Rex Stump

Ready:

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12

Set:

I stepped into a first period class of a middle school. It was a cloudy day, so the room seemed darker than normal. It was quiet as the students shuffled their papers, opened their Chromebooks, and moved without enthusiasm. The teacher, usually upbeat and energetic, was quiet and somber. I stood in the back, looked around, and there it was…the empty chair.

The teachers and staff gathered before school and did the best they could to gain composure and prepare for the day – a day with an empty chair. There is no manual; there are no proper steps to handling death and pain in moments like this. There is no chapter in a teacher’s book entitled, “Empty Chair.” 

The empty chair belonged to a 7th grade boy that died the day before. It’s no secret “how” he died, but “why” seems to be a mystery. Why did this happen? I don’t understand.

I’m thankful that I have a hope and peace beyond understanding. I have in Jesus more than I deserve and more than I understand. And yet, there are hard days in which evil unleashes conflict and pain without reservation. On those difficult days, I hold on to the truths found in God’s Word. 

There are more who need to know that they are not alone. They need to know that God loves them. We don’t need anymore empty chairs! I implore and beg you to share God’s love with others. 

Go:

1. Are you aware of those who are lonely and depressed around you? 

2. What causes us to make fun of others, instead of loving others? 

3. What if God treated us the way we treated others? 

Workout:

• Ephesians 2:10
• Romans 8:35-39
• Luke 12:6-7

Overtime:

“Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. You have created me with value. Help me God to find those who don’t feel loved or valued. Help me to love others with Your love. Amen.”