I Samuel 20:18
Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.
The most difficult changes usually happen when our loved ones leave us. It marks an end to a season in our lives of great significance. Every time I think about those who have gone to receive their heavenly reward, my eyes get misty because it feels like only yesterday That they were here.
The verse marks an end to the face-to-face relationship between Jonathan and David. Jonathan knew that his father saw wanted to eliminate David. Jonathan also knew that the hand of the Lord was on David’s life. Jonathan willingly chose to release his best friend in order that God‘s will would be done. He knew that his father was not thinking properly. Jonathan chose to be selfless rather than feed into selfishness.
The difficult thing about any semblance of death or separation is the thin line between selfishness and selflessness. I wish that my heroes could see me now. I wish I could call them on the phone, ask for advice, and tell them how much their presence means to me. I wish I had one more chance to publicly acknowledge their greatness. However, I can’t help but think that my desire would’ve been an interference to their ultimate reward.
It is okay to grieve. It is okay to remember. It is okay to weep. It’s okay to wish for days gone by. It is also okay to remember that while their earthly seat is empty, they now sit in a higher place. They have received an eagle eyed view of everything you are doing. Celebrate their seat upgrade because now they can see you achieving greatness.
Dr. Charles W. Ferguson 