The Empty Chair in the Circle
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
The Sunday class had one empty chair. William noticed that his friend had been sick for two weeks. After the lesson, he asked the teacher whether they could make a card.
Each child wrote a kind sentence or drew a picture. The teacher arranged to send it to the family. The next week, William was glad to see his friend back, and he saved the nearby chair without making a fuss.
Hebrews teaches believers to encourage one another. Meeting together is a good way to do that, and caring continues when someone cannot come. William could not make his friend well. He could remember him, send kind words, and make his return feel welcome. The empty chair had reminded him to think about the person who usually sat in it.
A small step for today
Believers need encouragement from one another. Gather with your church family when you can, listen to God's word, and look for a kind way to help. You can welcome someone or thank a person who serves. The passage teaches us to keep encouraging each other because God is faithful to His promises.
For the grown-up reading along
The writer connects confidence in God's faithfulness with holding fast the profession of faith and encouraging fellow believers. Gathering serves mutual exhortation as believers await the Lord's day.
Read the KJV passage aloud. Explain unfamiliar words in ordinary language without changing the quotation.
Read further: Hebrews 10 in the King James Bible.