The Empty Chair (or One Down)

Our starter table had an open seat at a tournament the other night -- so we brought up the Jewish Passover custom of leaving a chair empty for Elijah.  As we've thought about this, we've wondered if the Jewish symbolism might need some changing in a New Testament era.

Three disciples joined Jesus one day atop a mountain, and watched the Lord talk with Elijah and Moses.  Several Bible translations indicate this was a vision, and not real (Matthew 17:9 in KJV and NASB).  But it led the disciples to ask a question.

The disciples asked him, "Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"  Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.  But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished.  In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." - Matthew 17:10-12

Some preachers claim "Elijah" is a modern-day sect leader -- but after considering these verses, we don't think so.  We think the disciples figured out the correct answer....

Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist. - Matthew 17:13

This symbolic "Elijah" named John died in prison from beheading (Matthew 14:3-11), preceding the crucifixion of Jesus -- something 20th-century sect leaders never experienced.

All four gospels mention the last Passover (Lord's Supper) before Jesus died.  None of them mention an "Elijah's chair."  But have you considered how a seat became open during the course of that meal?

As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.  "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him.... As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out.  And it was night. - John 13:27, 30

You may have played in poker tournaments where someone was eliminated and the dealer announced, "One down!"  When Judas Iscariot "went down" on this fateful night, he went into the depths of Satanic influence -- as he betrayed Jesus, leading to the Lord's arrest (verse 2).

This leads to a probing question for all of us.  Where are your loyalties?  Is your life closer to Satan's way or God's way?  Have you pushed "all in" with life to the point where you've abandoned God, leaving an empty chair at the Lord's table?  Or are you leaving a chair open in your heart and mind, for Jesus to fill?

Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.  To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. - Revelation 3:20-21

Let Jesus have a place in your life now, and you'll have a special place alongside Him when the Kingdom of God comes.  Look up, instead of being "one down."