YOU WILL BE MISSED!

"Then Jonathan said to David, ‘Tomorrow is the New Moon; and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty'" (1 Sam 20:18, NKJV)

David was experiencing great trouble, and he was doing so as a young man. King Saul perceived David as a competitor, and therefore sought to get rid of him.  The whole matter was confusing to young David. After fleeing from Saul's presence, he asked his close friend Jonathan, "What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?" Jonathan found it difficult to believe a genuine threat existed, yet assured David he would not die, and that he would do whatever David desired. David recalled that the next day was the "new moon," or the beginning of a new month. He knew Saul would have a great feast that required his presence. If, David reasoned, Saul missed him, Jonathan was to tell the king that David had asked leave to go to Bethlehem for a yearly sacrifice with his family. If the king received that word, David would know the king was not angry with him. If, however, the king became angry, that would confirm he was in danger, and must stay away.  Jonathan agreed to the plan, making a covenant with David (20:5-17). It was at that point that Jonathan said, "Tomorrow is the New Moon; and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty." He knew David was a significant person, even in the eyes of king Saul. He could not be absent at a meaningful event without being missed.
There are believers who have such significant influence they are "missed" when absent from key gatherings. They are contributors to the faith of the brethren, and are noted for the benefit they bring. These are the kind of people that can say with the Psalmist, "They that fear Thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in Thy word" (Psa 119:74). They bring comfort to the saints like Titus did to Paul (2 Cor 7:6), and refreshment like Stephanas and Fortunatus (1 Cor 16:17-18). Like Apollos, they help those who have "believed through grace" (Acts 18:27). If you are such an individual (and there is no reason why you cannot be), then you are "missed" when you are not with the people of God. They profit from the grace God has given to you, and are strengthened by your presence, words, and countenance. Know, child of God, that the Lord has strategically placed you in the body of Christ, so you can bring spiritual benefit to His people (1 Cor 12:18). When they gather together and do not see you, they will miss you. Unlike Saul, however, they will have noble desires for you, wanting your blessing.