Offer The Father’s chair to those in need

Jim Honeycutt

Chaplain-Baptist Minister

After many years estranged from each other, my younger sister and I have reconnected. It began when she reached out to me about a month ago. At first, I was unsure of how to respond. Our last communication had gone poorly, with a mutual decision not to speak again.

I didn’t realize at the time how much it would pain me. I thought by breaking off communication I would save myself all the trouble, all the drama, all the hurtful hateful words… and I did, but I lost my sister in the process.

At my father’s house, the kitchen table was more than just a place to eat, it was a place of fellowship. It was the place we gathered around in the morning to read the Bible and start the day together. It was the place friends, relatives and the occasional door-to-door salesman sat to visit when cold drinks where shared.

It was the place where bread was broken, and love was spoken all through my childhood. It was the place I sat, with The Bible before me, as my mother and father led me to The Lord Jesus.

It was the place of countless discussions with my father, as I struggled to understand life.

It was the place we as a family sat, with hands joined, as our father led us to the Lord, interceding for each of his loved ones. But most special to me, it was a place of belonging. I had a seat at the table and my father wanted me there. And by the bond of my adoption, my place in the family can never be taken or given away.

So, my father offered me a seat at his table assuring me that even if I left for a bit, my seat would remain. Over the years I wandered away, sometimes on purpose, other times I just got off track. Yet each time my father welcomed me back to my seat at the table. Hugs were shared, tears were shed, forgiveness flowed upon me. The impact of my father’s faith cementing in me the desire to possess it also. 

I learned an integral part of the faith he had was the belief in forgiveness and restoration. The ability to see with eyes of hope, knowing the fullness of His Faithful Lord. So, when my sister reached out to reconnect, I offered her the chair our father gave her. The chair she was given was just like mine. And since our father has gone on to glory, I, as the son, welcomed her back in his name. Knowing in doing so I honor his teachings and fulfill my duty of love to my sister. I am not burdened by this duty of love, but am liberated by the power of Christ’s Holy work within me. I find the walk forward easier when I lean into the lessons learned around the table of my youth. Our conversations are different this go-round. God has done some amazing things, not only in my life, but also with her. I am hopeful and praying that The Lord Jesus Christ who delivered her from anger and rage will restore what was lost. 

I have been thinking, since all this started with my sister, about how many of my Christian brothers and sisters have wandered off also, pushed back their seat at their father’s table and gotten up. Not sure where they have traveled, but by the signs of the times I would say not to a happy place. I get it, I know the banquet offered by the world can look appealing. But you must know it’s an illusion.

A trick to separate you from the seat you have been offered at the Lord’s table. The Scriptures teach us that if we raise up a child in the way they should go (live), when they are old, they shall not depart from it. By experience I can testify that this is true. My sister can testify this is true.

But please, don’t wait until you get old to follow the truth taught by the Word of God. Come back to the table, a feast of fellowship, love and forgiveness awaits.

Now to those who have not strayed from The Father’s table, stand and offer your brothers and sisters their chairs. Stand and welcome them back in The Name of The Father. Fulfill your duty of love! Look and see what The Lord is doing. He is working in the lives of His children to bring them back to the table. His chosen shall return and take their rightful place.

This rejoicing season, remember Jesus who came to bring you to the table of God. Come and share fellowship!