I was chuffed to have my daughters and their families visit on Mother’s Day. It was an off the cuff surprise and we had a great evening chatting away while devouring delivered pizza. Half way into the evening, my little three-year-old grandson, Levi, looks up from the seat he was sitting on at the dinner table to ask the question, “Where are the others?” It had suddenly occurred to him, in the middle of all the fun, food and great conversation, there were important people missing at the table. There was no Uncle Ryan, Aunty Kimberly or cousin Toby; their chairs sat empty at the family table. Levi was having a great night but he missed those who would normally be present.
As a Pastor of a beautiful church, I couldn’t help but fully identify with this heartfelt question! I love worshipping with the church of the LORD Jesus Christ. I love fellowshipping with God fearing, God loving Christians. I love preaching the Word of God on Sunday. But when, for whatever reason, people don’t show up and there are empty chairs scattered throughout our meeting place, I too think the same as Levi; where are the others? All of us have our own unique identity within the kingdom of God. There are no two Christians alike. The Great Creator has stamped us all with distinctiveness. So when we don’t show up, we’re truly missed. The next time you’re contemplating whether to show up or not, remember, you will be missed! You can’t be duplicated and the church needs you and loves you.