God, Chess Master
And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God,
who are called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28 NLT)
Chess champions often take a long, long, long time to make a move. They do this, because they are not just looking at that one step, they are planning ahead for future moves. For spectators, it may seem like a boring waste of time, or the move may make absolutely no sense at all. But later it becomes glaringly obvious as we realize that without that carefully planned step, the victory could not have been won.
The Bible is peppered with examples of moves that made no sense in the moment and at times even seemed downright cruel, but when the story comes to fruition, we stand back in awe at how every step came together perfectly in the ultimate win and completion of God’s perfect plan.
Joseph is a great example. God allowed him to be thrown into a pit by his brothers, to be sold into slavery and taken to a foreign land, and to be unjustly imprisoned on a false charge. But all those seemingly unfair and cruel incidences in his life resulted in the saving of his family and a nation from starvation.
You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done (Genesis 50:20 NCV).
There is a famous story that has been told by many preachers about a painting that portrays Satan playing chess with a dejected, forlorn looking man. The reason for the forlornness and sadness of the young man is that it appears that Satan has won, the man is out of moves, and Satan now has claim to the young man’s soul; the bet that was waged on the game.
No-one seems to know for sure whether this story is actually true or just apocryphal, but it is a brilliant depiction of God, the master chess champion. The painting, by Friedrich Moritz August Retzsch, was once displayed at the Louvre art museum in France and is aptly titled “Checkmate.”
The story goes that a chess champion visited the art museum and was fascinated by the painting. He stood in front of it studying it carefully and what he realized would have wiped the self-satisfied smirk off Satan’s face. According to the way the chess pieces were lying, the young man’s king had one move left and that move would make the young man the winner. It was checkmate, game over, victory to the king!
The ultimate checkmate of all checkmates came on a Sunday. Satan was in no doubt he had finally won. The Son of God was dead, lying in a cold grave. Heaven had been vanquished. Satan was celebrating, a huge smirk on his face. But then the earth rumbled and God moved His final piece on the chessboard. Game over! Checkmate! Jesus had risen!
Even though it sometimes may appear that Satan has won, remember, there is always one final move waiting to be played by the Master Chess Champion. The moves and detours in our lives may seem to make no sense, but He will ultimately bring them all together for our good and His glory. Be patient, watch, wait and pray. And prepare to be astounded by the King’s ultimate move.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
(1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV).
